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SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH 
TRENCH  ORDERS 


ARMY  WAR  COLLEGE 


1917 


WASHINGTON 
GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 

1917 


WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

Document  No.  590. 

Office  of  The  Adjutant  General. 


WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

WASHINGTON,  May  15,  1917. 

The  following  specimens  of  British  trench  orders  are  pub- 
lished for  the  information  of  all  concerned. 
(2598135,  A.  G.  O.) 

BY  ORDER  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  WAS  : 

H.  L.  SCOTT, 

Major  General,  Chief  of  Staff. 
OFFICIAL  : 

H.  P.  MCCAIN, 

The  Adjutant  General. 

8 


664376 


CANADIAN  CORPS  TRENCH  ORDERS, 


CONTENTS. 


SUBJECT. 

Paragraph. 

Duties - 1 

Sentries 2 

Rifles,  equipment,  and  ammunition--  3 

"Stand  to" 4 

Bombs  and  grenades,  care  of 5 

Machine  guns _. 6 

Firing  at  aeroplanes 7 

Trench  sides,  undercutting  of 8 

Sanitation 9 

Time-tables  and  organization  of  work 10 

Log  books  and  trench  store  books : 11 

Communications 12 

Alertness 13 

Rum 14 

Arrangements  in  case  of  attack 15 

Working  parties  on  front  trench 16 

Working  parties  outside  the  front  trench 17 

Precaution  when  our  mines  are  exploded 18 

Ration  parties  when  found  from  front  trenches 19 

Rations  and  cooking 20 

Vermorel  sprayers 21 

Reliefs : 

General 22 

Points  to  be  noted  by  company  commanders 23 

Guides _'__  24 

Smoking  and  talking 25 

Rate  of  march  to  trenches 26 

Procedure  on  arrival  in  trenches 27 

Engineers 28 

Chilled  feet  and  frostbite,  prevention  of 29 

7 


CANADIAN  CORPS  TRENCH  ORDERS. 


1.  DUTIES. —  (a)  One  officer  per  company  and  one  N.  C.  O. 
per  platoon  will  always  be  on  duty. 

( & )  By-  night  the  officer  and  N.  C.  O.  on  duty  will  frequently 
patrol  the  trench  line  to  see  that  the  sentries  are  alert  and  to 
inquire  whether  they  have  any  information  to  report  about  the 
enemy.1 

(c)  The  N.  C.  O.  coming  on  duty  will  go  round  and  post  new 
sentries  with  the  N.  C.  O.  coming  off  duty. 

( d )  The  length  of  each  tour  of  duty  will  depend  on  the  num- 
ber of  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  available  in  the  company.    Normally 
each  tour  should  be,  by  night  2  hours,  by  day  4  hours,  day  com- 
mencing at  morning  "  stand  to,"  and  by  night  commencing  at 
evening  "  stand  to."    In  inclement  weather  it  may  be  advisable 
to  reduce  the  tour  to  1  hour. 

(e)  N.  C.  O.'s  after  posting  sentries  will  report  "All  correct" 
or  otherwise  to  the  officer  on  duty. 

(/)  The  officer  on  duty  will  be  responsible  for  sending  in  the 
reports  required  by  battalion  headquarters,  unless  there  is  any- 
thing unusual  to  report,  when  this  duty  will  be  performed  by 
the  company  commander. 

(#)  Men  will  be  warned  for  duty  by  the  platoon  N.  C.  O.  on 
duty.  This  will  be  done  at  evening  "  stand  to." 

(h)  On  being  detailed  for  duty%  a  man  will  be  informed  at 
which  hours  he  will  come  on  duty. 

(i)  When  possible  to  do  so,  notice  boards  will  be  placed  in 
each  section's  trench,  on  which  will  be  pinned  daily  all  orders 
regarding  working  parties,  and  a  list  of  the  men  in  the  section, 
giving  the  times  at  which  they  \vill  come  on  sentry  and  other 
duty. 

0')  Except  under  special  circumstances,  such,  for  instance,  as 
a  sentry  being  killed  or  wounded,  no  sentry  will  be  relieved  by 
another  man  unless  the  relief  is  properly  carried  out  in  the 
presence  of  a  N.  C.  O. 

1  The  officer  should  remember  that  he  is  in  the  same  position  as  is  the 
officer  on  watch  on  board  a  ship. 

14265°— 17 2  9 


10  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

2.  SENTRIES— By  night.— (a)  Sentries  will  be  posted  every 
2  hours,  except  under  bad  weather  conditions,  when  the  length  of 
the  tour  of  sentry  duty  may  be  reduced. 

( ^X  ^k>m  et£m"n£^  $ta:nd  to  "  till  morning  "  stand  to  "  one 
sentry  to  every 'four  men  will  be  posted.  If  wiring  or  digging 
part^e^a^i  Out*  ?B;  front1,  or  listening  posts  are  numerous,  this 
num'ber'may'be  reduced. 

(c)  The  next  relief  will  remain  within  reach  of  the  sentry. 

(d)  Every  sentry  is  to  be  regularly  posted  by  a  N.  C.  O.,  who 
will  explain  to  him  his  duties  and  the  front  to  be  watched,  and 
ascertain  that  the  sentry  and  his  relief  are  aware  of  the  posi- 
tion of  the  section  and  platoon  commanders,  the  sentries  on 
either  side,  and  whether  there  are  any  patrols  or  working  parties 
out  in  front.     Should  there  be  salients  in  the  line,  the  sentry 
will  be  carefully  instructed,  so  as  to  avoid  any  possibility  of 
him  firing  toward  his  own  trenches. 

(e)  By  night  or  in  places  which  have  the  reputation  of  being 
dangerous,  i.  e.,  where  enemy  are  suspected  of  mining,  advanced 
posts,  etc.,  no  man  should  ever  be  posted  alone.    There  should 
either  be  a  double  sentry  post  or  the  next  relief  should  rest 
within  kicking  distance  of  the  sentry. 

By  day. —  (/)  The  number  of  sentries  required  depends  on 
the  proximity  of  the  enemy's  trench  line  and  whether  a  good 
view  to  the  front  can  be  obtained;  normally  one  to  every  four 
days  is  sufficient. 

(g)  Every  sentry  will  be  provided  with  a  periscope. 

(h)  Well-protected  "  look-out  "  posts  for  sentries  will  be  built 
along  the  front  trench  line. 

(i)  Sending  out  of  patrols. — Patrols  will  never  be  sent  out 
without  definite  orders  as  to  what  is  required  of  them.  Patrols 
will  go  out  via  a  listening  post  (if  such  exist).  All  listening 
posts  will  be  warned  of  the  strength  of  the  patrol  and  the  ap- 
proximate hour  of  departure  and  return.  Word  will  be  passed 
quietly  along  the  line  of  sentries  that  a  patrol  is  out  in  front. 

0")  As  little  challenging  as  possible  will  be  done  by  sentries, 
and  then  only  in  a  low  tone  of  voice. 

3.  RIFLES,     EQUIPMENT,     AND     AMMUNITION.—  ( a ) 
Carrying  and  iccaring  of. — Equipment  will  always  be  worn  by 
men  in  front  trenches. 

(&)  Ration  and  carrying  parties,  orderlies,  etc.,  will  wear 
bandoliers  and  carry  rifles. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  11 

(c)  Parties    at    work    between    the    front-line    and   reserve 
trenches  may  be  permitted  to  "  pile  "  or  "  ground  "  arms.    Wir- 
ing and  digging  parties  out  in  front  of  the  fire  trench  will  sling 
the  rifle. 

(d)  Loading  of  rifles. — Except  when  it  is  necessary  to  shoot, 
a  round  will  never  be  kept  in  the  Chamber.    Cut-offs  will  always 
be  "  in  "  and  the  safety  catch  "  back." 

(e)  The  magazine  will  be  kept  charged  with  five  rounds. 
(/)  Bayonets  will  always  be  fixed  in  front-line  trenches. 

(ff)  Care  of  rifles. — Rifles  and  ammunition  will  be  inspected 
at  morning  and  evening  "  stand  to,"  and  rapid  loading  will  also 
be  practiced. 

(h)  Covered  rifle  racks  will  be  constructed  in  each  bay  where 
rifles  will  be  kept.  Breech  covers  will  be  kept  on  the  rifles. 

(/)  In  very  cold  weather  sentries  will  occasionally  work  the 
bolt  of  the  rifle  to  prevent  the  striker  becoming  frozen.  For  the 
same  reason,  in  cold  weather  men  will  sleep  with  their  rifles 
close  to  the  body. 

(/)  All  loading  will  be  from  pouch  or  bandolier;  no  ammuni- 
tion must  ever  be  placed  on  ground  or  parapet. 

(k)  Disposal  of  rifles,  equipment,  and  ammunition. — Wounded 
and  men  going  sick  will,  if  able  to  walk,  wear  their  equipment 
and  carry  their  rifles.  The  rifles  and  equipment  of  men  unable 
to  carry  them  and  also  those  of  dead  men  will  be  sent  back  to 
the  dressing  station.  All  other  rifles,  however  badly  damaged, 
and  equipment  damaged  or  not  required  will  be  sent  back  to  the 
quartermaster.  Damaged  cartridges  and  empty  cases  will  be 
collected  and  returned  to  the  quartermaster  under  company 
arrangements. 

(O  Ammunition. — Every  man  will  have  170  rounds  in  his  pos- 
session. 

(HI-)  Platoon  commanders  will  report  at  evening  "stand  to" 
whether  their  ammunition  is  correct  or  otherwise. 

4.  "STAND  TO."— "Stand  to"  will  take  place  1  hour  be- 
fore daylight  and  1  hour  before  dusk.  At  this  parade  every 
available  man  will  be  present.  Rifles,  ammunition,  equipment, 
clothing,  etc.,  will  be  inspected.  Rapid  loading  will  be  prac- 
ticed. The  firing  position  of  every  man  will  be  tested,  to  see 
whether  he  can  hit  the  bottom  edge  of  our  wire.  Gas  helmets 
and  respirators  will  be  inspected  in  accordance  with  the  orders 
in  force.  Orders  will  be  issued  and  steps  taken  to  see  that  the 
men  understand  them.  After  "  stand  to  "  in  the  morning  and 


12  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

before   "stand  to"   in  the  evening  rifles  will  be  thoroughly 
cleaned  and  oiled. 

5.  CARE  OF  BOMBS  AND  GREN ADES.—  ( a ) .  Only  a  small 
percentage  of  bombs  will  be  kept  in  the  front  trenches.    These 
will  be  kept  in  a  well-protected  and  dry  bomb  receptacle. 

(&)  Bomb  stores  will  be  built  in  the  end  of  communication 
trenches  in  the  support  line. 

(c)  Detonators  and  fuzes,  except  in  the  front  lines,  will  nor- 
mally be  kept  in  tins  and  not  in  the  bomb. 

( d )  The  battalion  grenadier  officer  will  make  frequent  inspec- 
tion of  all  bombs  and  grenades. 

(e)  The  alarm  posts  for  grenadiers  will  be  close  to  where  the 
bomb  stores  are  placed. 

(/)  No  one,  other  than  a  grenadier,  will  interfere  with  the 
bombs  and  grenades. 

(g)  Ammunition  boxes  in  the  trenches  will  be  examined  fre- 
quently to  see  if  the  lids  work  easily. 

6.  MACHINE  GUNS. —  (a)  The  concealment  and  protection 
of  machine-gun  emplacements  is  important — for  this  reason,  ex- 
cept in  case  of  emergency,  machine  guns  will  not  be  fired  from 
their  regular  emplacements. 

(&)  Unless  emplacements  are  well  concealed,  guns  will  not  be 
mounted  except  between  evening  and  morning  "  stand  to." 

(c)  Two  men  per  detachment  will  always  be  on  duty  with  the 
gun. 

(d)  Before  dusk,  while  there  is  still  sufficient  light,  each  gun 
will  be  laid  on  some  particular  spot  either  in  or  behind  the 
enemy's  front  line. 

(e)  Range  cards  will  be  prepared  and  kept  with  each  gun. 
(/)  Machine  guns  in  the  front  line  should  be  reduced  to  a 

minimum  sufficient  to  cover  the  front. 

7.  FIRING  AT  AEROPLANES.— Firing  at  aeroplanes  will 
not  be  permitted  except  by  order  of  an  officer. 

8.  UNDERCUTTING    TRENCH    SIDES.— (a)  The    under- 
cutting of  trench  sides  to  make  shelters  is  forbidden. 

(&)  When  shelters  are  made  the  required  space  from  the 
ground  level  downward  will  be  cut  out  and  a  roof  supported  on 
reliable  posts  will  be  made. 

9.  SANITATION. —  (a)  The  importance  of  strict  attention 
to  sanitation  should  be  impressed  on  all  ranks. 

(ft)  Empty  tins  or  other  refuse  will  be  collected  in  receptacles 
kept  for  the  purpose  in  the  trenches  and  buried  in  a  refuse  pit. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  13 

(c)  Latrines  will  be  constructed  in  trenches  leading  from  com- 
munication trenches.     Where  the  bucket  system  is  employed, 
chloride  of  lime  or  creosol  will  be  freely  used.    The  soil  will  be 
removed  at  night  and  buried  in  a  deep  pit  well  away  from  the 
trenches  ;  these  pits  will  be  filled  in  when  nearly  full  and  labeled. 

(d)  The  commanding  officer  is  responsible  for  sanitation  in 
his  unit  and  the  medical  officer  will  advise  him  in  sanitary  mat- 
ters, making  daily  inspections  of  latrines,  refuse  pits,  and  water 
arrangements.     Under  the  medical  officer  latrines  and  refuse 
pits  will  be  attended  to  by  the  regimental  sanitary  men  and 
water  duties  by  the  R.  A.  M.  C.  details  attached. 

10.  TIME-TABLES  AND  ORGANIZATION  OF  WORK.— 
(a)  A  time-table  will  be  drawn  up  by  each  company  commander. 
In  this  time-table  he  will  allot  hours  of  work,  rest,  and  meals. 

( & )  Working  parties  will  be  properly  organized.  Definite  tasks 
will  be  allotted.  Each  commander  of  a  working  party  should 
know  what  work  is  expected  from  his  party  before  the  hour  ap- 
pointed to  commence,  so  that  no  time  is  wasted  in  getting  to 
work. 

(c)  Unless  it  can  not  be  avoided,  men  should  never  be  taken 
for  sentry  duty  without  having  had  a  reasonable  period  of  rest, 
and  when  this  becomes  necessary  a  report  should  be  made  to 
the  C.  O. 

11.  LOG    BOOKS    AND    TRENCH    STORE    BOOKS.— (a) 
Each  company  commander  will  keep  a  log  book  in  which  will 
be  entered  up  daily  the  work  done.    This  log  book  will  be  handed 
over  from  one  commander  to  another  on  relief. 

(6)  A  trench  store  book  will  also  be  kept  in  which  will  be 
entered  up  all  trench  stores  issued  to  the  company.  On  relief, 
the  incoming  company  commander  will  give  a  receipt  to  the  out- 
going commander  for  all  trench  stores  taken  over. 

(c)  Commanding  officers  are  personally  responsible  that  no 
trench  stores,  bath  mats,  etc.,  are  used  as  firewood. 

12.  COMMUNICATIONS.— (a)  Artillery  lines  will  be  laid 
on  one  side  of  a  trench.    Infantry  lines  on  the  opposite  side. 

(&)  The  Infantry  brigade  signal  officer  will  exercise  general 
supervision  over  all  lines  in  the  brigade  area,  and  will  notify 
the  orderly  officer  of  the  Artillery  brigade  when  any  Artillery 
lines  require  attention  or  relaying.  He  will  assist  the  Artillery 
whenever  it  may  be  be  possible  to  do  so. 

(c)  Lines  will  be  laid  as  low  as  possible,  preferably  not  more 
than  9  inches  from  the  bottom  of  the  trench.  They  will  be 


14  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

picketed  into  grooves  cut  into  the  side  of  the  trench,  the  pickets 
being  securely  driven  in  at  every  reentrant  bend  and  at  every 
10  yards  along  the  straight. 

(d)  Lines  will  be  clearly  labeled  at  every  100  yards  and  at 
every  junction  with  another  line. 

(e)  All  lines  will  be  carefully  patrolled  at  least  once  daily. 
(/)  One  telephonist  will  always  be  on  duty. 

(#)  Telephone  communication  to  battalion  headquarters  and 
the  company  on  each  flank  will  be  frequently  tested. 

(h)  All  "  dead  "  lines  will  be  reeled  up  at  once. 

(i)  Every  man  is  to  know  the  position  of  his  platoon  com- 
mander's shelter  and  the  company  headquarters. 

0')  At  least  two  men  per  section  of  the  support  and  reserve 
companies  must  be  able  to  act  as  guides  to  all  the  company 
headquarters  of  the  battalion. 

(fc)  All  officers  must  know  the  shortest  route  from  their  own 
headquarters  to  those  of  the  company  on  their  flanks  and  to 
their  own  battalion  headquarters. 

(0  It  is  the  duty  of  every  officer  or  man  to  fasten  any  loose 
wire  that  he  may  see  which  has  become  temporarily  detached. 

13.  ALERTNESS. — Anything  seen   or   heard   in  connection 
with  the  enemy,  such  as  movements  of  individuals,  transport 
wagons,  troops,  working  parties,  etc.,  is  to  be  reported  to  the 
nearest  officer. 

14.  BUM. —  (a)  Rum  will  always  be  kept  under  the  personal 
charge  of  the  company  commander. 

( & )  The  best  time  for  a  rum  issue  is  in  the  early  morning. 

(c)  No  issue  of  rum  will  be  made  except  in  the  presence  of 
an  officer ;  any  rum  left  over  will  be  handed  back  to  the  charge 
of  the  company  commander. 

(d)  Men  undergoing  punishment  for  drunkenness  will  receive 
no  issue  of  rum  for  14  days  after  the  offense,  unless  it  is  neces- 
sary for  medical  reasons. 

15.  ARRANGEMENTS  IN  CASE  OF  ATTACK.— (a)  Com- 
pany commanders  will  insure  that  all  ranks  know  what  to  do 
in  case  of  bombardment,  gas,  or  attack  by  the  enemy.    They  will 
occasionally  test  their  arrangements  by  practicing  an  alarm. 

(&)  All  officers'  servants,  grenadiers,  orderlies,  etc.,  will  have 
duties  allotted  to  them  in  case  of  attack. 

16.  WORKING  PARTIES.— (a)   All  work  on  a  fire  trench 
will  be  carried  out  by  the  garrison  of  the  trench,  assisted,  if 
necessary,  by  the  garrison  of  the  support  and  reserve  trenches. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  15 

(&)  All  work  in  rear  of  fire  trenches  will  be  carried  out  by 
the  garrison  of  the  support  and  reserve  trenches. 

(c)  If  possible,  working  parties  will  consist  of  complete  units, 
i.  e.,  section,  platoon,  or  company.    Each  unit  will  be  commanded 
by  its  own  commander. 

(d)  Even  when  working  under  engineer  supervision,  Infantry 
officers  in  charge  of  working  parties  will  be  responsible  that  the 
work  done  satisfies  tactical  requirements. 

17.  WORKING      PARTIES      OUTSIDE      THE      FRONT 
TRENCH. —  (a)  A  covering  party  will  always  be  provided  for 
digging  and  wiring  parties  outside  the  front  trenches. 

18.  PRECAUTION    WHEN    ONE    OF    OUR    MINES    IS 
EXPLODED. — In  the  event  of  one  of  our  own  mines  being 
exploded,  a  clear  space  of  5  yards  will  be  kept  on  either  side  of 
the  mouth  of  the  mine  shaft. 

19.  RATION  PARTIES  WHEN  FOUND  FROM   FRONT 
TRENCHES. — Usually,  rations  and  stores  will  be  carried  up 
to  the  trenches  by  supports  and  reserves.    If  this  is  not  possible 
and  it  is  necessary  that  men  from  the  front  trenches  have  to  be 
employed,  not  more  than  10  per  cent  of  the  men  in  the  firing  line 
are  to  be  away  from  the  trenches  at  the  same  time. 

20.  RATIONS  AND  COOKING.— (a)   Ration  parties  from 
the  support  and  reserve  trenches  will  be  made  up  in  complete 
units  as  in  16  (c). 

( & )  The  company  quartermaster  sergeant  will  accompany  the 
ration  parties  for  his  company  and  report  his  arrival  to  the  com- 
pany commanders. 

(c)  Great  care  is  to  be  taken  that  ration  and  carrying  parties 
make  as  little  noise  as  possible. 

(d)  Cooking,  if  possible,  will  be  done  behind  the  front-line 
trenches    and  should  be  concentrated  by  sections  or  companies. 
Steps  must  be  taken  to  ensure  that  as  little  smoke  as  possible 
is  made  by  the  cooks'  fires. 

(e)  Unused  rations  will  be  returned  to  the  quartermaster. 
(/)  Waste  in  any  form  will  be  discouraged. 

(#)  Arrangements  should  be  made  to  ensure  that  soup  or  some 
hot  drink  should  be  available  for  the  men  between  midnight  and 
4  a.  in. 

21.  VERMOREL  SPRAYERS. —  (a)  Vermorel  sprayers  form 
part  of  trench  stores.    They  are  provided  for  clearing  gas  out  of 
trenches  and  shelters  after  an  attack,  and  for  respraying  helmets 
if  necessary  during  a  prolonged  gas  attack. 


16  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(&)  They  will  be  distributed  at  easily  accessible  points  in  the 
trenches  and  protected  from  shell  fire. 

(c)  They  must  be  kept  one-third  full  of  water.    Six  gallons  of 
the  following  solution  to  be  used  in  them  must  be  kept  in  corked 
rum  jars  close  to  each  sprayer.     It  must  not  be  kept  in  the 
sprayers  owing  to  its  corrosive  nature : 

Water,  3  gallons  (one  large  bucket). 

Sodium  thiosulphate  (hypo),  6  Ibs.  (two  piled  mess  tins). 

Sodium  carbonate  (washing  soda),  2  Ibs.  (one  mess  tin). 

(d)  Each  company  will  have  a  squad  of  men  in  charge  of  an 
N.  C.  O.  trained  in  the  care  and  use  of  sprayers. 

(e)  On  taking  over  trenches,  the  N.  C.  O.  in  charge  of  sprayers 
will  take  over  from  the  outgoing  N.  C.  O.  and  will  see  that  each  is 
in  order  and  provided  with  solution. 

(/)  A  man  will  be  told  off  to  each  sprayer;  he  will  be  re- 
sponsible for  testing  it  every  day,  and  in  case  of  a  gas  attack 
he  will  stand  by  to  use  it  when  ordered. 

RELIEFS. 

22.  GENERAL. —  (a)  Prior  to  taking  over  a   new  line  of 
trenches  the  commanding  officer,  adjutant,  machine-gun  officer, 
signaling  officer,  and  company  commanders  will  reconnoiter  the 
trenches. 

(&)  Machine  guns  will  not  be  relieved  at  the  same  time  as  the 
infantry. 

23.  POINTS  TO  BE  NOTED  BY  COMPANY  COMMAND- 
ERS.—  (a)  Number  of  men  holding  line  to  be  taken  over  and 
distribution. 

(6)   Shelter  accommodation. 

(c)  Work  being  done  and  proposed.    To  ensure  a  continuity  of 
work  an  officer  of  the  incoming  battalion  should  go  over  line  in 
daylight. 

(d)  Condition  of  the  wire  and  defenses  generally. 

(e)  Information  as  to  the  enemy,  his  habits,  snipers,  the  work 
he  is  doing,  &c. 

(/)  Water  supply. 
(g)  Artillery  support. 
(h)  Communications. 
(i)  Dangerous  points. 

(/)  Lines  of  advance  to  be  used  in  a  counter  attack, 
(fc)  Position  of  "  shell  trenches  "  or  "  feathers,"  or  other  cover 
from  enemy  artillery  fire. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  17 

24.  GUIDES. — (a)  Arrangements  will  be  made  between  the 
C.  O.  of  relieving  and  about  to  be  relieved  battalions  as  to  places 
where  guides  will  be  provided  by  the  latter  to  conduct  the  incom- 
ing troops  to  the  trenches. 

( & )  One  guide  per  platoon,  one  for  each  company  headquarters, 
and  one  for  battalion  headquarters  will  be  provided. 

These  guides  must  know  the  exact  spot  where  they  will  meet 
the  relieving  troops  and  the  best  and  safest  way  to  the  trenches. 

25.  SMOKING  AND  TALKING.— After  leaving  the  rendez- 
vous there  is  to  be  no  smoking  or  talking  till  arrival  in  the 
trenches. 

26.  BATE    OF    MARCH    TO    TRENCHES.— The    rate    of 
marching  to  the  trenches  from  billets  will  not  exceed  2  miles  an 
hour. 

27.  PROCEDURE   ON   ARRIVAL   IN   TRENCHES.— (a) 
The  troops  being  relieved  will  not  leave  the  trenches  until  all 
trench  stores  have  been  handed  over  and  receipts  received,  all 
the  relieving  troops  are  in  position,  and  new  sentries  have  been 
posted  and  orders  to  move  have  been  received  from  the  company 
commander. 

(b)  Platoon  commanders  will  at  once  personally  examine  all 
firing  positions  and  satisfy  themselves  that  each  man  can  fire  on 
the  foot  of  the  nearest  part  of  the  w^ire  entanglement. 

(c)  They  will  examine  the  ammunition  and  bomb  magazines, 
vermorel  and  other  sprayers,  and  antigas  solution  vessels. 

(d )  When  the  relief  is  completed  O.  C.  companies  will  report 
to  that  effect  to  battalion  headquarters. 

(e)  Men  will  not  be  dismissed  till  the  O.  C.  company  has 
received  reports  from  all  his  platoon  commanders  that  every- 
thing is  in  order. 

28.  ENGINEERS. — (a)  To  insure  continuity  of  work  a  few 
sappers  should  live  permanently  in  the  trenches. 

(b)  Daily  requisitions  for  engineering  material  required  will 
be  forwarded  by  company  commanders  to  battalion  headquarters. 

(c)  The  battalion  commander  will  apply  to  the  field  company 
for  the  material  required  through  the  brigade  headquarters  and 
will  arrange  for  carrying  parties  to  take  it  in. 

29.  PREVENTION    OF    CHILLED    FEET    AND    FROST- 
BITE.—  (a)  Before  marching  to  trenches,  feet  and  legs  will  be 
washed  and  rubbed  with  antifrostbite  grease  or  whale  oil  under 
platoon   supervision.     Boots  should  be  large  enough  for   two 
pairs  of  socks,  and  puttees  must  be  put  on  loosely. 

14265°— 17 3 


18  SPECIMENS  OF  BEITISH  TKENCH  ORDERS. 

(&)  The  march  to  the  trenches  will  be  in  ankle  boots,  every 
man  will  carry  two  pairs  of  spare  socks,  spare  grease,  and  towel. 

(c)  On  arrival  at  the  trenches,  take  off  ankle  boots  and  wet 
socks,  dry  and  grease  feet,  put  on  dry  socks,  gum  boots  (trench 
stores)  or  paper  stockings  and  ankle  boots. 

(d )  During  the  tour  in  the  trenches,  circulation  must  be  kept 
up  by  movement ;  the  restriction  of  the  circulation  of  the  lower 
limbs  is  the  principal  cause  of  chilled  feet. 

(e)  Boots  and  puttees  will  be  removed  at  least  once  in  every 
24  hours,  feet  and  legs  will  be  dried,-  rubbed,  and  greased,  and 
dry  socks  put  on. 

(/)  Gum  boots  wTill  be  taken  off  before  troops  march  out  on 
relief  and  will  be  handed  over  as  trench  stores  to  the  relieving 
unit. 

(g)  On  arrival  in  billets,  feet  will  be  washed  and  rubbed; 
dry  socks,  hot  drinks,  and  food  will  be  provided  under  battalion 
arrangements. 

(h)  Warming  braziers  made  from  3  and  5  gallon  oil  drums 
will  be  provided,  and  a  daily  allowance  of  2  Ibs.  coke  and  \  Ib. 
charcoal  per  man  in  the  trenches.  An  extra  pea-soup,  tea,  and 
sugar  ration  will  also  be  issued. 

(i)  C.  O.'s  are  responsible  that  all  trench  pumps  on  charge  are 
kept  in  good  repair  and  made  use  of  to  the  fullest  extent.  The 
drier  the  trenches  are  the  fewer  will  be  the  cases  of  chilled  feet. 

C.  H.  HARRINGTON, 
B.  G.  G.  8.,  Canadian  Corps. 

OCTOBER  21,  1915. 


SPECIMEN  OF  BATTALION  TRENCH 
STANDING   ORDERS. 


19 


SPECIMEN  OF  BATTALION  TRENCH  STANDING 
ORDERS. 


1.  Trenches  are  usually  divided  up  into  a  certain  number  of 
bays ;  the  number  of  men  to  defend  these  bays  depends  on  the 
length  of  trench  allotted  to  each  company.     Each  section  is  de- 
tailed to  guard  a  certain  number  of  bays. 

2.  N.  C.  Os.  and  men  must  always  wear  their  equipment  by  day 
and  night ;  a  man  found  not  complying  with  this  order  commits 
a  "  crime." 

3.  Every  company  will  stand  to  arms  daily  half  an  hour  before 
dawn,  and  half  an  hour  before  dusk  and  will  remain  so  till  dis- 
missed by  O.  C.  company. 

4.  The  enemy's  trenches  are  so  close  that  it  is  very  important 
for  the  men  to  have  their  rifle  sights  always  at  "  normal,"  so 
that  there  will  be  no  necessity  to  alter  the  sights  in  case  of  alarm. 

5.  By  night  all  bayonets  are  to  be  fixed,  and  50  per  cent  of  the 
men  on  duty  in  the  trenches  are  to  be  sitting  on  the  firing  plat- 
form with  their  rifles  by  their  sides. 

6.  In  case  of  an  attack,  especially  at  night,  it  should  be  im- 
pressed on  the  men  that  they  should  fire  low ;  for  one  bullet  that 
goes  too  low,  at  least  90  go  too  high.    A  bullet  that  goes  too 
high  is  wasted,  whereas  a  bullet  that  goes  too  low  is  a  ricochet 
and  is  often  more  dangerous  than  any  other  kind  of  bullet. 

7.  Section  commanders  are  responsible  that  the  men  under 
their  command  have  sufficient  standing  room  for  the  purpose  of 
firing  over  the  parapet.     It  is  very  important  to  insure  that  the 
men  have  a  clear  field  of  fire,  and  are  able  not  only  to  see  the 
enemy's  trenches  but  also  the  ground  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  their  own  trench.     It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  arrange 
that  the  men  can  fire  comfortably  from  the  parapet  and  that 
they  can  get  the  butt  comfortably  into  the  hollow  of  the  shoulder 
when  the  rifle  is  resting  on  the  parapet. 

8.  When  making  new  trenches  it  should  be  impressed  on  the 
men  that  the  parapet  must  be  at  least  5  feet  thick  at  the  top  in 
order  to  be  bullet  proof. 

9.  If  any  part  of  the  parapet  requires  repairing  or  altering, 
the  matter  should  be  reported  at  once  by  the  section  commander 
to  his  platoon  sergeant,  who  will  in  turn  report  the  matter  to 
sperior  authority. 

21 


22  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TKENCH  ORDERS. 

10.  The  general  work  of  repairing  the  trenches,  fatigues,  etc., 
will  be  carried  out  either  by  day  01*  by  night  according  to  com- 
pany arrangements.     Certain  hours  will  be  alloted  for  these 
tasks,  and  no  man  in  the  company  is  to  be  employed  in  any  kind 
of  work  out  of  these  hours,  unless  permission  is  obtained  from 
O.  C.  company. 

11.  No  man  should  ever  leave  his  post  in  the  trenches  either  by 
day  or  by  night,  without  the  permission  of  the  N.  C.  O.  in  charge 
of  that  post. 

12.  As  a  general  rule,  by  night  there  should  be  at  least  one 
sentry  post  to  each  ten  yards  of  parapet. 

13.  By  night  double  sentries  should  always  be  posted,  if  pos- 
sible, and  no  sentry  should  be  kept  on  duty  for  a  longer  period 
than  1  hour  at  a  time.     It  should  be  so  arranged  that  when  one  of 
the  sentries  is  doing  his  last  i  hour  on  sentry,  his  comrade  will 
be  doing  his  first  ^  on  duty. 

14.  Sentries  by  night  should  always  have  their  rifles  resting 
on  the  parapet  ready  to  fire  at  moment's  notice. 

15.  As  few  sentries  as  possible  should  be  posted  by  day,  so  as 
to  give  as  much  rest  as  possible  to  the  remainder  of  the  men. 

16.  By  day  any  existing  loop  holes  may  be  used  by  a  sentry 
for  observation  purposes,  but  this  is  strictly  prohibited  at  night, 
when  the  sentry  must  look  over  the  parapet 

17.  If  a  sentry  is  continually  fired  at,  the  section  commander 
will  take  steps  to  post  him  in  another  position,  but  not  far  away 
from  the  original  position. 

18.  By  night  arrangements  must  be  made  in  each  platoon  for 
a  N.  C.  O.1  to  be  continually  on  duty  for  the  purpose  of  visiting 
the  sentries,  etc.,  etc.    He  will  report  to  his  company  officer  at 
odd  hours  and  to  his  platoon  officer  at  even  hours. 

19.  Cases  have  occurred  of  men  going  to  sleep  on  sentry  duty. 
This  is  the  most  serious  crime  a  soldier  can  commit  on  active 
service.    The  G.  O.  C.  has  clearly  stated  that  in  future,  if  any 
man  has  been  convicted  by  court-martial  for  this  offense  and 
sentenced  to  be  shot,  he  will  confirm  the  sentence.    There  is  no 
excuse  for  a  man  going  to  sleep  on  sentry  duty ;  if  he  is  feeling 
too  ill  to  perform  this  duty  he  should  report  the  fact  to  the 
N.  C.  O.  on  duty  of  his  platoon,  who  will  in  his  turn  report  the 
matter  to  superior  authority. 

20.  If  an  armed  party  of  the  enemy  approaches  the  trench 
under  a  flag  of  truce,  they  should  be  ordered  to  halt  at  a  dis- 
tance and  lay  down  their  arms,  and  the  matter  should  be  re- 

1  An  acting  N.  C.  O.  •will  not  be  employed  in  this  duty. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  23 

ported  at  once  to  the  O.  C.  company.  If  the  party  fails  to  halt 
when  ordered  to  do  so,  or  does  not  convey  a  flag  of  truce,  they 
should  immediately  be  fired  upon.  An  unarmed  party  should  be 
halted  the  same  way  at  a  distance,  and  the  matter  be  reported 
to  the  O.  C.  company. 

21.  By  night  it  is  not  necessary  to  challenge  anyone  in  advance 
of  the  trenches,  but  fire  should  be  opened  at  once.    If,  however, 
the  company  is  sending  out  listening,  working,  or  covering  par- 
ties, these  orders  should  be  modified,  and  special  instructions 
issued  to  meet  the  case. 

22.  Men  will  be  specially  picked  from  the  company  for  listen- 
ing patrols  and  as  sharpshooters.    These  men  will  be  given  spe- 
cial privileges  and  their  work  is  such  that  they  will  be  afforded 
greater  opportunities  of  being  mentioned  in  dispatches. 

23.  It  is  the  duty  of  officers  and  N.  G.  Os.  to  check  men  talking 
loudly  during  the  night,  as  this  practice  makes  it  impossible  for 
the  sentries  to  hear  any  movement  in  front  of  the  trenches.    The 
Germans  take  advantage  of  this  talking  by  the  British  soldier 
during  the  night  to  send  listening  patrols  quite  near  to  our 
trenches,  and  even  build  trenches  on  clear  moonlight  nights  close 
to  our  lines  without  our  knowledge. 

24.  All  working  parties  must  wear  their  equipment  and  carry 
their  rifles,  but  when  actually  working  they  can  lay  these  on  the 
ground  close  to  them. 

25.  All  picks  and  shovels  after  use  will  be  returned  to  the  com- 
pany store. 

26.  Ration  parties  and  parties  carrying  material  for  repairs, 
etc.,  need  not  wear  their  equipment  or  carry  rifles,  but  should  be 
accompanied  by  a  fully  armed  N.  C.  O.  as  an  escort. 

27.  Not  more  than  twenty  men  are  to  be  away  from  the  com- 
pany at  the  same  time.    1  N.  C.  O.  and  4  men  per  platoon. 

28.  Every  soldier  must  remember  it  is  of  the  utmost  impor- 
tance to  keep  his  rifle  clean  and  in  working  order  whilst  in  the 
trenches.    His  very  life  may  depend  upon  this,  as  he  is  liable  to 
be  rushed  at  any  moment,  either  by  day  or  by  night.    The  dirty 
rifle  means  probably  a  jammed  one  after  the  first  round. 

29.  The  first  duty  of  a  soldier,  therefore,  is  to  clean  his  rifle 
every  morning  as  soon  as  there  is  sufficient  light  to  enable  him  to 
do  so ;  an  hour  will  be  appointed  by  O.  C.  company  for  this  pur- 
pose.   The  platoon  sergeant  will  be  responsible  that  section  com- 
manders superintend  this  work,  and  inspect  the  rifles  of  their  sec- 
tion.   Any  man  who  is  found  with  a  dirty  rifle  will  be  made  a 
prisoner. 


24  SPECIMENS  OF  BKITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

30.  All  rifles  by  day  to.  be  in  racks,  except  those  used  by  the 
sentries,   and  arrangements  should  be  made  by  section  com- 
manders to  improvise  racks  if  they  are  not  provided. 

31.  Great  care  is  to  be  exercised  to  keep  the  trenches  clean  and 
in  a  sanitary  condition.    Platoon  commanders  will  be  responsible 
for  the  latrines  in  their  section  of  the  trenches.    Any  man  fouling 
the  trenches  will  be  severely  dealt  with.    No  water  is  to  be  taken 
for  drinking  or  cooking  purposes  except  from  the  water  cart  or 
tanks  provided  for  this  purpose.     Disregard  of  this  regulation 
will  probably  cause  an  outbreak  of  typhoid  or  dysentery  amongst 
the  men  of  the  company. 

32.  Stretcher  bearers  will  be  stationed  at  a  place  appointed  by 
the  C.  O.    If  a  man  is  wounded,  information  should  be  sent  at 
once  to  these  stretcher  bearers,  whose  duty  it  is  to  carry  wounded 
to  the  aid  post  or  dressing  station. 

Men  should  not  be  taken  from  the  firing  line  for  this  purpose. 

33.  No  soldier  is  to  be  buried  nearer  than  300  yards  from  the 
trenches. 

34.  In  each  platoon  a  N.  C.  O.  will  be  detailed  for  duty  by  day. 
This  N.  C.  O.  will  do  no  night  duty,  but  will  get  a  full  night's 
rest.    His  duties  are  to  post  the  day  sentries  and  to  see  that  they 
are  alert  and  carrying  out  their  duties  correctly.     He  will  be 
generally  responsible  for  the  cleanliness  of  his  lines  and  will  fre- 
quently visit  the  latrines.    It  is  part  of  his  duties  to  see  that  any 
loose  ammunition  lying  about  is  collected. 

35.  The  platoon   sergeant   will   always   send,   if  possible,   a 
N.  C.  O.1  to  draw  the  rations,  and  this  N.  C.  O.  will  be  responsible 
for  their  safe  delivery.    This  especially  applies  to  the  issue  of 
coke.     The  C.  S.  M.  will,  prior  to  his  day  of  relief  from  the 
trenches,  always  collect  the  articles  of  trench  equipment  sup- 
plied for  his  company  and  make  out  a  list  of  the  same.    These 
articles  will  be  handed  over  to  the  company  sergeant  major  of  the 
relieving  company. 

36.  The  system  of  passing  down  messages  by  word  of  mouth, 
man  to  man,  must  not  be  used.    If  an  officer  or  N.  C.  O.  has  any- 
thing important  to  report  he  should  do  so  in  writing.    If  there  is 
no  time  to  do  this,  a  special  messenger  should  be  intrusted  with 
a   verbal   message  which  should   afterwards  be  confirmed  in 
writing. 

37.  Special  instructions  have  been  issued  as  to  precautions 
against  gas.    These  are  to  be  strictly  followed. 

*An  acting  N.  C.  O.  will  not  be  employed  on  this  duty. 


BRIGADE  STANDING  ORDERS  FOR 
THE  TRENCHES. 


14205°— 17- 


BRIGADE  STANDING  ORDERS  FOR  THE  TRENCHES. 


1.  RELIEFS.— («)  When  a  battalion  is  taking  over  a  new 
line  of  trenches  the  company  commanders  will  invariably  visit 
the  trenches  on  the  day  previous  to  that  on  which  the  relief 
takes  place.  They  will  gain  as  much  information  as  possible 
from  the  company  commanders  they  are  relieving. 

( b )  An  officer  of  each  company  should  proceed  in  advance  to 
the  trenches  on  the  day  of  the  relief  to  take  over,  during  day- 
light, all  trench  stores,  ammunition,  etc.     Mutual  receipts  for 
these  will  be  signed. 

(c)  Machine  gunners,  bombers,  snipers,  and  signalers  will  not 
be  relieved  on  the  same  day  as  companies.    They  should  proceed 
to  the  trenches  24  hours  before  their  battalions,  and  take  over 
their  posts  during  daylight. 

(d)  The  strictest  march  discipline  will  be  maintained  by  all 
parties  proceeding  to  or  from  the  trenches.     An  officer   will 
march  in  rear  of  each  company  to  ensure  that  it  is  properly 
closed  up. 

(e)  Reliefs  will  be  carried  out  as  quietly  as  possible.     No 
smoking  or  lights  will  be  allowed  after  reaching  a  point  to  be 
decided  on  by  battalion  commanders. 

(/)  Guides  at  the  rate  of  one  per  platoon,  machine  gun,  or 
bombing  post  will  invariably  be  arranged  for  by  brigade  head- 
quarters when  battalions  proceed  to  the  trenches.  Likewise, 
when  battalions  are  being  relieved,  a  similar  number  of  guides 
will  be  detailed  by  them  to  meet  relieving  units. 

(#)  On  taking  over  a  line  of  trenches  a  company  commander 
will  at  once  get  in  touch  with  the  companies  on  his  right  and 
left;  he  will  ascertain  the  position  of  the  nearest  supporting 
troops,  of  the  reserve  ammunition,  of  any  machine  guns  or  bomb- 
ing posts,  and  of  his  battalion  headquarters;  he  will  ascertain 
the  best  and  quickest  means  of  obtaining  artillery  support,  and 
he  will  have  all  wires,  including  the  artillery  wire,  if  there  is  one, 
tested.  When  his  platoons  have  taken  over,  and  he  is  satisfied 
that  all  is  correct,  he  will  inform  his  commanding  officer  by 
telephone  that  the  relief  of  his  company  is  complete. 

27 


28  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(h)  The  actual  relief  of  trenches  should  be  carried  out  in  the 
following  manner : 

The  platoon  being  relieved  gets  on  the  firing  step. 
The  relieving  platoon  files  in  behind  and  halts.  On  the 
word  "  pass,"  which  will  be  given  quietly,  being  passed 
along,  the  relieved  and  relieving  platoons  will  change 
places.  The  company  commander  of  the  relieving  com- 
pany will  then  supervise  the  posting  of  sentries  by  his 
platoon  commanders.  He  will  satisfy  himself  that  each 
post  is  properly  relieved  and  that  the  orders  for  the 
post  are  correctly  handed  over.  The  greatest  care  and 
attention  to  detail  are  necessary  in  this. 

The  exact  frontage  for  which*  each  platoon  commander  is 
responsible  will  be  clearly  defined. 

Before  dismissing  his  company  the  company  commander  will 
ensure  that  each  man  has  an  alarm  post  from  which  he  can  use 
his  rifle  freely  and  fire  at  the  bottom  of  our  own  wire  entangle- 
ments. Each  man  must  also  know  the  position  of  company 
headquarters,  the  reserve  ammunition,  and  latrines.  Every 
company  commander  in  the  front  line  will  have  control  of  the 
grenadiers  employed  on  his  front. 

(i)  Within  24  hours  of  taking  over  a  new  line  of  trenches  a 
company  commander  will  forward  a  report  on  his  trenches  as 
follows : 

Garrison  of  trench. 

Field  of  fire. 

Distance  from  enemy's  trench. 

General  condition  of  trench. 

Whether  every  man  has  a  post  from  which  he  can  fire  at 

the  bottom  of  our  own  wire  entanglements. 
Number  of  efficient  loopholes. 
Whether  the  parapet  is  bullet  proof  throughout 
Whether  sufficient  traverses. 
State  of  our  wire. 
State  of  enemy's  wire. 
Drainage. 

Number  of  boxes  of  reserve  ammunition. 
Number  of  bombing  posts  and  of  bombs  with  each. 
Number  of  rounds  of  VERY  pistol  ammunition. 
Number  of  VERMOEEL  sprayers. 
Number  of  gongs. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  29 

A  rough  sketch  showing  the  position  of  bombers'  posts,  ma- 
chine guns,  grenade  stores,  and  reserve  ammunition  should 
accompany  the  report. 

(/)  Before  handing  over  trenches,  officers  commanding  com- 
panies will  draw  up  a  statement  containing  all  available  infor- 
mation on  the  following  points: 

Our  own  trenches  and  wire. 

The.  enemy's  trenches  and  wire. 

Habits  of  the  enemy. 

Any  -part  of  trench  which  receives  more  than  ordinary 

attention  from  the  enemy's  guns. 
Number  of  bombing  posts  and  bombs  at  each. 
Number  of  machine  guns  on  company's  front. 
Work  in  hand  or  contemplated. 
What  artillery  covers  the  front,  and  how  it  is  best  and 

quickest  obtained. 

A  list  of  trench  stores,  ammunition,  etc.,  will  also  be  drawn 
up  ready  for  handing  over.  All  stores  should  be  carefully  stacked 
in  a  convenient  place.  Ammunition,  VERY  lights,  sandbags,  etc., 
sufficient  for  at  least  24  hours  consumption,  should  invariably  be 
handed  over  to  the  relieving  unit. 

( k )  The  following  constitute  trench  stores  and  will  be  handed 
over  on  relief : 


S.  A.  A. 

Shovels. 

Picks. 

Loophole  plates. 

Balers. 

Fixed  rifle  batteries. 

Sniperscope  rifles. 

Braziers. 

Catapults. 


Grenade  throwers. 
The  following  will  not  be  handed  over : 


Rifle  racks. 

Rifle  grenade  firing  stands. 

Hand  grenades. 

Rifle  grenades. 

VERY  pistol  cartridges. 

Gongs,  bells,  and  alarms. 

VERMOREL  sprayers. 

Pumps. 

Reserve  rations. 


VERY  pistols. 
Pistols,  illuminating,  1$ 
inch. 


Telescopic  rifles. 

Periscopes. 

Telephones. 


Battalion  entrenching  tools  will  not  be  taken  to  the  trenches. 
Should  the  existing  tools  in  the  trenches  be  considered  insuffi- 
cient, application  should  be  made  to  brigade  headquarters  for  a 
further  supply. 


30  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

2.  SENTRIES.— As  a  general  rule,  the  following  numbers  of 
sentries  will  be  posted: 

By  day. — One  sentry  for  every  3  bays,  exclusive  of  bombers, 
snipers,  and  machine  gunners. 

By  night,  in  a  fog  or  snowstorm. — One  double  sentry  for  each 
bay,  exclusive  of  bombers  and  machine  gunners. 

Sentries  will  invariably  be  posted  and  relieved  by  a  N.  C.  O. 
under  the  orders  of  the  platoon  commander. 

It  must  be  recognized  that  no  fixed  rules  can  be  laid  down  as 
regards  the  number  of  sentries  that  are  necessary  and  battalion 
commanders  will  use  their  discretion  in  the  matter.  The  number 
required  will  depend  on  the  proximity  of  the  enemy,  the  tactical 
situation,  and,  aboye  all,  on  the  state  of  our  own  wire  entangle- 
ments. 

3.  OFFICER  AND  N.    C.    Os.    OF   THE   "  WATCH."— In 
every  company  in  the  firing  line  the  company  commander  will 
arrange  for  his  officers  to  take  it  in  turns  to  be  on  "watch  " 
throughout  the  twenty-four  hours. 

Likewise  in  each  platoon  the  platoon  commander  will  detail  a 
N.  C.  O.  of  the  watch. 

The  officer  and  N.  C.  Os.  of  the  watch  will  visit  all  sentries, 
bombing  posts,  and  machine  guns  within  the  area  of  their  com- 
mand once  every  hour  by  day  and  by  night. 

At  night  the  officer  of  the  watch  will  carry  a  VERY  pistol.  VERY 
lights  should  be  used  sparingly,  as  they  are  often  difficult  to 
obtain. 

The  time  when  lights  are  most  required  is  when  the  Germans 
are  not  sending  any  up. 

4.  STANDING   TO   ARMS. — Troops  will   always   stand  to 
arms  one  hour  before  daylight  and  one  hour  before  dark.    They 
will  remain  under  arms  in  the  first  instance  until  the  enemy's 
lines  are  visible,  and  in  the  second  instance  until  darkness  comes 
on.    At  these  hours  company  commanders  will  arrange  for  the 
inspection  of  arms,  ammunition,  and  equipment  by  platoon  com- 
manders.   The  latter  will  satisfy  themselves  that  each  man  is  in 
possession  of  two  smoke  helmets ;  ammunition  will  be  made  up  to 
120  rounds  per  rifle  when  troops  stand  to  arms. 

Whenever  men  stand  to  arms  company  commanders  wrill  order 
the  parapet  to  be  manned  to  insure  that  every  man  has  a  post 
from  which  he  can  fire  at  the  bottom  of  our  own  wire. 

At  the  inspection  of  rifles  at  the  hours  of  standing  to  arms 
platoon  commanders  will  satisfy  themselves  that  the  bolt  action 


SPECIMENS  OF  BEITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  31 

is  working  freely.    A  thorough  inspection  of  arms  will  be  held 
at  midday,  at  which  hour  men  will  be  washed  and  shaved. 

5.  GAS  ATTACKS. —  (i)  It  is  to  be  impressed  on  all  ranks 
that  the  smoke  helmet  issued  to  them  affords  complete  protec- 
tion against  all  forms  of  gas  used  by  the  enemy. 

(ii)  All  ranks  will  invariably  carry  on  their  persons  smoke 
helmets.  Instruction  is  to  be  given  in  the  method  of  adjusting 
smoke  helmets  rapidly,  condemned  helmets  being  used  for  this 
purpose. 

(iii)  Smoke  helmets  will  be  inspected  at  morning  and  evening 
"  stand  to." 

(iv)  The  direction  of  the  wind  will  be  studied,  and  special 
precautions  taken  when  it  favors  a  gas  attack  by  the  enemy. 

(v)  On  the  first  sign  of  gas,  whether  it  is  detected  by  sight 
or  smell,  the  sentries  will  sound  the  alarm  gongs  and  bells  which 
are  hung  up  at  intervals  throughout  the  trenches.  On  hearing 
this  alarm  every  officer  and  man  will  at  once  adjust  his  smoke 
helmet  and  fall  in  on  his  alarm  post.  Nobody  will  remain  in 
dugouts.  To  make  certain  of  the  warning  reaching  everybody 
the  order  "  Put  on  smoke  helmets  "  will  be  passed  from  man  to 
man  throughout  the  trenches  held  by  the division. 

(vi)  The  officers  in  command  of  the  trenches  opposite  the  sec- 
tion of  the  enemy's  line  from  which  the  gas  is  proceeding  will 
send  the  S.  O.  S.  call  to  the  artillery,  and  will  order  rapid  fire 
to  be  opened  on  the  enemy  trenches.  Neighboring  sectors  of 
defense  will  be  at  once  warned. 

(vii)  When  the  gas  cloud  is  sufficiently  thick  to  hide  the 
enemy's  front  parapets,  machine  guns  and  rifles  will  open  fire 
in  short  bursts  on  fixed  lines  covering  the  enemy's  trenches,  in 
order  to  inflict  casualties,  pierce  gas  tubes,  and  break  up  the 
density  of  the  enemy's  gas  cloud. 

(viii)  Garrisons  of  trenches  on  the  flanks  of  the  front  threat- 
ened will  be  prepared  to  open  a  flanking  fire  on  the  enemy  should 
he  attempt  to  advance  from  his  front  line. 

(ix)  As  soon  as  the  S.  O.  S.  call  has  been  sent  to  the  artillery, 
messages  will  be  sent  to  brigade  H.  Q.  and  the  artillery  "  Gas 
trench  (es)_ " 

(x)  Rifle  bolts  and  machine-gun  crank  handles  to  be  worked 
backwards  and  forwards  while  gas  is  about,  to  prevent  the  gas 
from  impairing  the  action. 

(xi)  Vermorel  sprayers  to  be  used  in  trenches  and  dugouts 
in  the  affected  area  as  soon  as  the  gas  has  passed  over,  in  order 
that  gas  helmets  may  be  taken  off. 


32  SPECIMENS  OF  BKITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(xii)  Measures  will  be  taken  to  prevent  stragglers. 

6.  FIXING  OF  BAYONETS.—Bayonets  will  always  be  fixed 
during  the  hours  of  darkness,  during  a  snowstorm,  or  thick  mist, 
or  when  the  proximity  of  the  enemy  renders  this  course  ad- 
visable. 

7.  COUNTER  ATTACKS. — As  soon  as  possible  after  taking 
over  a  new  line  battalion  commanders  will  draw  up  and  submit 
to  brigade  headquarters  their  scheme  for  counter  attacking  the 
enemy  should  he  gain  possession  of  any  part  of  their  line. 

In  framing  this  scheme  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  in  every 
line  of  trenches  there  are  certatin  points  which  would  be  of  value 
to  the  enemy  if  captured  by  him,  whereas  there  are  others  which 
would  be  of  little  use  to  him. 

Should  be  enemy  attack  and  occupy  any  portion  of  our  trenches 
he  will  be  immediately  counter  attacked  and  driven  out  by  the 
nearest  body  of  troops.  All  ranks  must  clearly  understand  that 
counter  attacks  made  at  once  and  without  hesitation  will  usually 
be  sucessful,  even  if  made  by  small  numbers,  but  that  a  counter 
attack,  once  the  enemy  has  been  given  time  to  establish  him- 
self, is  a  very  difficult  and  costly  operation. 

8.  MINES. — Should  the  enemy  fire  a  mine  in  or  near  our 
trenches  the  crater  thus  formed  will  be  immediately  occupied 
by  the  nearest  troops.    This  order  will  be  made  known  to  all 
ranks. 

9.  FIRING  BY  DAY  AND  NIGHT.— By  day  men  will  only 
fire  when  a  target  offers  itself.    If  the  enemy  is  in  the  habit  of 
showing  himself  at  any  particular  point,  the  attention  of  the 
platoon  commander  should  be  drawn  to  it.     The  latter  will 
inform  the  battalion  sniping  officer,  who  will  tell  off  a  sniper's 
post  to  watch  the  spot. 

By  night  all  firing  must  be  organized.  If  the  enemy  is  be- 
lieved to  be  working  on  his  trenches  or  wire,  the  company  com- 
mander will  give  directions  to  his  platoon  commanders  to  fire 
five  rounds  rapid  at  certain  stated  times.  He  will  first  ascer- 
tain that  no  patrols  from  neighboring  companies  will  be  out 
at  these  hours. 

A  certatin  number  of  fixed  rifles  will  be  placed  in  every  trench 
and  fired  by  the  sentries.  These  rifles  will  be  laid  on  certain 
selected  spots. 

Indiscriminate  firing  by  day  or  night  is  forbidden. 

If  the  enemy  attacks,  rapid  fire  will  be  opened  without  wait- 
ing for  orders. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  33 

10.  COMPANY  MEETINGS. — Officers  commanding  compa- 
nies will  hold  meetings  of  their  platoon  commanders  and  N.  C.  Os. 
each  evening  in  the  trenches.    Only  a  few  officers  and  N.  C.  Os. 
should  be  present  at  each  meeting.     At  these  meetings  the  fol- 
lowing points  should  be  discussed : 

Work  required  to  place  our  trenches  in  a  better  state  of 
defense  and  to  improve  the  comfort  of  the  men. 

Work  to  be  done  during  the  next  24  hours. 

It  is  essential  that  all  work  which  has  to  be  carried  out  at 
night  is  explained  to  all  noncommissioned  officers  in 
daylight. 

Any  alterations  noticed  in  the  enemy's  trenches  or  wire. 

What  steps  can  be  taken  to  annoy  and  harass  the  enemy. 

Action  in  case  of  attack. 

11.  WORK  ON  TRENCHES.— Work  on  trenches  should  as 
far  as  possible  be  carried  out  during  daylight. 

12.  GARRISONS  OF  TRENCHES.— It  is  an  invariable  rule 
that  during  daylight  the  front-line  trenches  should  be  held  as 
lightly  as  is  compatible  with  safety.    At  night  the  garrison  must 
be  strengthened. 

The  actual  strength  of  garrisons  will  be  governed  by  the  tac- 
tical situation  and  by  the  number  of  support  and  communicating 
trenches  at  hand. 

With  proper  support  and  communicating  trenches  only  sentries 
and  snipers  should  be  in  the  front-line  trenches  during  daylight. 
To  these  will  be  added  bombers  if  there  are  any  old  communi- 
cating trenches  leading  to  the  enemy's  lines  or  if  the  proximity 
of  the  enemy  demands  their  presence. 

13.  DISCIPLINE. —  (a)   Sleeping  in  the  front  line  trenches 
will  not  be  allowed  unless  there  is  an  absence  of  support  trenches. 

( & )  No  dugouts  will  be  constructed  without  the  permission  of 
the  battalion  commander.  All  dugouts  must  be  made  splinter 
proof.  Work  on  them  will  not  be  commenced  until  sufficient 
material  is  at  hand.  If  it  can  be  avoided  dugouts  will  not  be 
constructed  in  the  fire  trenches. 

(c)  No  man  will  leave  the  trenches  without  permission  from 
an  officer.    This  order  will  be  made  known  to  all  ranks. 

(d)  Cooking  should  not  take  place  in  the  front-line  trenches. 
Whenever  possible  cooking  will  be  done  under  company  arrange- 
ments in  order  that  the  men  may  have  their  meals  at  regular 
hours. 

Washing  and  shaving  should  be  carried  out  in  support  trenches 
when  possible. 


34  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(e)  All  parties  moving  within  the  trench  area  will  be  correctly 
marched  by  an  officer  or  N.  C.  O. 

(/)  Orderly  room  should  be  held  daily  in  the  trenches  unless 
circumstances  render  this  impossible. 

(g)  Sentries  are  strictly  forbidden  to  wear  any  covering  over 
the  ears. 

(7t)  An  officer  will  always  be  present  when  an  issue  of  rum 
takes  place. 

(t)  Equipment  will  never  be  taken  off  in  the  front-line 
trenches  except  in  the  case  of  working  parties,  when  equipment 
may  be  removed  by  order  of  the  company  commanders.  In  sup- 
port trenches  equipment  may  be  removed  at  the  discretion  of  bat- 
talion commanders. 

(;)  Sentries  will  remain  standing  at  all  times  unless  the 
height  of  the  parapet  renders  this  impossible. 

(fc)  All  parties,  with  the  exception  of  stretcher  bearers,  mov- 
ing in  the  trench  area  will  wear  their  arms  and  equipment. 
Orderlies  may  be  excused  wearing  their  equipment  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  commanding  officers. 

(I)  The  wearing  of  cotton  bandoliers  by  working  parties  and 
orderlies  is  forbidden,  nor  are  these  bandoliers  to  be  hung  up  in 
the  trenches. 

(m)  Ammunition  must  be  kept  in  a  thoroughly  clean  state.  If 
the  ammunition  is  not  clean  jambs  will  occur.  Ammunition  will 
be  frequently  inspected. 

(n)  The  "undercutting"  of  trenches  is  strictly  forbidden. 
Drains  will  always  be  cut  down  the  center  of  a  trench  and  not 
at  the  sides. 

(o)  When  mining  is  in  progress  in  any  of  the  trenches  occu- 
pied by  the  brigade  the  sandbags  filled  with  earth  from  the  mine 
will  on  no  account  be  used  in  the  front  trenches  or  other  points 
which  are  visible  to  the  enemy. 

14.  RECONNAISSANCE  AND  PATROLLING.— The  best 
security  against  attack  is  active  patrolling  and  constant  observa- 
tion of  the  enemy's  lines,  so  that  he  can  not  undertake  any  new 
work  without  steps  being  taken  to  prevent  its  continuance. 

The  enemy's  wire  will  be  constantly  patrolled  to  insure  that  he 
has  cut  no  gaps  in  it  with  a  view  to  launching  an  attack. 

Patrols  w7ill  also  frequently  visit  our  wire  to  insure  that  it  is 
efficient. 

The  front  of  our  own  fire  parapet  should  be  examined  nightly. 

15.  INFORMATION. — Every  effort  will  be  made  by  means 
of  patrols,  field  glasses,  etc.,  to  ascertain  information  about  the 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  35 

enemy,  his  trenches  and  wire.  Any  alterations  in  the  enemy's 
lines  must  be  reported,  and  if  any  of  the  enemy  are  seen  a  re- 
port will  be  sent  in  stating  what  dress  they  were  wearing.  The 
importance  of  forwarding  all  such  information  will  be  impressed 
on  all  ranks. 

16.  SNIPING. — In  every  battalion  a  sniping  section  will  be 
formed,  consisting  of  1  officer  and  25  N.  C.  O.'s  and  men.    The 
officer  will  carry  out  the  duties  of  intelligence  officer  to  his  bat- 
talion.   He  will  render  a  daily  report  to  his  commanding  officer 
containing  the  following  information  : 

Number  of  casualties  known  to  have  been  inflicted  on  the 

enemy. 

Number  and  location  of  snipers'  posts. 
Any  alterations  in  the  enemy's  trenches  or  wire. 
Number  of  telescope  rifles  in  possession. 
Number  and  location  of  fixed  rifles  and  rifle  batteries  in 

action. 

Any  activity  by  the  enemy. 

Battalion  sniping  officers  will  get  into  close  touch  with  artil- 
lery observing  officers  within  their  sectors,  and  will  give  every 
assistance  to  them. 

17.  ARTILLERY    SUPPORT.— As    a    general    rule,    a    for- 
ward observing  officer  of  an  18-pounder  battery  will  be  quartered 
at  or  near  battalion  H.  Q. 

Requests  for  retaliation  should  be  made  to  this  officer,  and 
brigade  H.  Q.  should  be  warned  of  the  action  taken. 

Fire  from  howitzers  and  heavy  batteries  can,  except  in  the  case 
of  the  S.  O.  S.  signal,  only  be  obtained  through  brigade  H.  Q.  If 
retaliatory  fire  is  required  from  howitzers,  it  must  be  stated  on 
what  point  it  is  wished  that  the  fire  should  be  directed. 

Any  trench  mortaring  by  the  enemy  should  be  immediately  re- 
ported to  the  officer  commanding  our  trench  mortars. 

18.  "  S.  O.  S."  AND  "  TEST  »  SIGNALS.— In  the  event  of 
an  infantry  attack  by  the  enemy,  a  mine  being  fired,  or  other 
emergency,  the  S.  O.  S.  signal  will  be  sent  by  the  quickest  route 
to  the  Field  Artillery  battery  covering  the  trenches  concerned. 

The  signal  will  be  followed  by  the  number  of  the  trench,  e.  g., 
"  S.  O.  S.  B)tr 

The  signal  will  be  repeated  to  battalion  H.  Q.,  who  will  trans- 
mit it  to  brigade  H.  Q. 

On  receipt  of  the  S.  O.  S.  signal  all  batteries  covering  the 
trenches  concerned  will  open  a  concentrated  fire  on  the  enemy's 
front  line. 


36  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

When  necessity  for  fire  no  longer  exists,  a  message  to  this 
effect  will  be  sent  to  the  artillery  and  to  brigade  H.  Q. 

In  order  to  test  the  efficient  working  of  the  artillery  lines, 
"  test "  messages  will  frequently  be  sent  from  the  trenches  to 
the  supporting  battery. 

The  number  of  the  trench  will  always  be  sent,  e.  g.,  "  Test  A  6." 

The  test  will  consist  of  one  round  of  shrapnel  fired  on  the 
"night  line"  of  the  battery.  No  target  will  be  given  by  the 
officer  in  the  trenches. 

The  time  taken  from  the  handing  in  of  the  message  until  the 
shell  bursts  will  be  carefully  noted  and  reported  to  battalion 
H.  Q.  The  O.  C.  battalion  will  enter  the  result  of  all  tests  in 
his  daily  report.  He  will  give  the  exact  time  at  which  the  test 
was  sent  and  will  state  whether  it  was  a  "  direct "  or  an  "  in- 
direct "  test.  A  "  direct "  test  is  from  trench  to  battery.  An 
"  indirect "  test  is  from  trench  via  battalion  H.  Q.  to  battery. 

19.  VERMOREL  SPRAYERS. — One  man  will  be  detailed 
to  look  after  each  sprayer.    A  spare  tin  of  solution  will  be  kept 
with  each  sprayer.     Medical  officers  will  periodically  inspect 
both  sprayers  and  solution. 

20.  HOSTILE  ARTILLERY  FIRE. — In  reporting  activity 
by  the  enemy's  artillery  it  is  necessary  to  state : 

(i)  The   time   at   which   shelling   began   and   when   it 

ceased. 

(ii)  Your  own  position, 
(iii)  Whether  howitzer  or  gun. 

(iv)  Direction  from  which  shells  arrive.    Compass  bear- 
ing should  be  given  if  possible, 
(v)  Whether  shells  burst  in  the  air  or  on  "  graze." 
In  reporting  results  of  our  own  fire,  state : 
(i)  Your  own  position, 
(ii)  Estimate  distances  short,   over,   right,   or  left,   in 

yards.     Avoid  vague  statements, 
(iii)  Whether  gun  or  howitzer, 
(iv)  Whether  shrapnel  or  high  explosive. 
If  shrapnel  bursts  in  the  air,  judge  whether  range  is  correct 
by  the  splash  of  the  bullets  on  the  ground  and  not  by  the  burst. 

21.  AIRCRAFT. — On  the  approach  of  any  of  the  enemy's 
aircraft  three  blasts  will  be  blown  on  a  whistle.    This  will  be  the 
signal  for  all  ranks  to  keep  perfectly  still. 

One  blast  on  a  whistle  will  indicate  that  the  aircraft  has 
moved  away. 

All  aircraft  belonging  to  the  enemy  will  be  heavily  fired  on  by 
machine  guns  and  rifles  as  long  as  they  are  within  range,  but  no 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  37 

tiring  will  take  place  without  the  order  of  an  officer,  who  will  tirst 
satisfy  himself  that  the  aircraft  is  hostile.  Directions  should  be 
given  to  the  men  as  to  how  many  lengths  in  front  of  the  aero- 
plane aim  should  be  taken.  If  a  "  Zeppelin  "  is  sighted,  a  "  pri- 
ority "  message  will  be  sent  to  brigade  H.  Q.  reporting  the  fact 
and  stating  approximately  where  the  "  Zeppelin  "  was  seen  and 
in  what  direction  it  was  proceeding. 

22.  MAPS. — Maps  with  our  own  trenches  marked  on  them 
will  not  be  taken  into  the  front-line  trenches. 

23.  TELEPHONE  MESSAGES.— No  messages  regarding  the 
action  of  our  own  Artillery  or  other  matters  of  an  important 
nature  will  be  sent  by  telephone  to  the  fire  trenches.     Such 
messages  will  be  sent  by  orderly.     This  is  necessary  because  it 
has  been  found  that  the  enemy  has,  at  times,  read  our  messages 
by  induction. 

24.  SIGNALERS. — The  brigade  signaling  section  is  re- 
sponsible for  the  maintenance  of  communication  between  brigade 
H.  Q.  and  battalions. 

Battalion  signalers  are  responsible  for  communications  within 
the  battalion. 

All  wires  must  be  pinned  in  to  the  sides  of  trenches.  Infantry 
wires  on  the  S.  and  E.  sides  and  Artillery  wires  on  the  N.  and  "W. 
sides. 

Pins  for  this  purpose  can  be  obtained  from  brigade  head- 
quarters. 

All  wires  will  be  labeled  with  the  name  of  the  battalion  at 
least  every  50  yards. 

Officers  in  charge  of  battalion  signalers  are  responsible  that  all 
disused  or  unlabeled  wires  within  their  areas  are  reeled  up. 

All  wires  will  be  patroled  at  least  once  every  24  hours. 

25.  MEDICAL  OFFICERS. — Medical  officers  attached  to  bat- 
talions will,  in  addition  to  looking  after  the  sick  and  wounded, 
be  responsible  for  the  sanitation  of  the  trenches  generally, 
paying  particular  attention  to  the  water  supply  and  latrines. 
Battalion  sanitary  sections  will  work  under  the  orders  of  the 
medical  officer. 

The  medical  officer  will  accompany  the  commanding  officer 
periodically  on  his  visits  round  the  trenches. 

Stretcher  bearers  are  responsible  that  the  rifles  and  equipment 
(including  field  glasses,  wire  cutters,  etc.),  of  all  men  who  are 
wounded  are  taken  with  them  to  the  dressing  station.  The 
medical  officer  will  instruct  the  N.  C.  O.  i/c  stretcher  bearers  to 
see  that  this  order  is  carried  out. 


38  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

The  arms  and  equipment  of  wounded  men  will  be  sent  to  the 
field  ambulance  with  them,  the  ammunition  having  first  been 
removed  from  pouches  and  magazines.  Field  glasses,  wire 
cutters,  etc.,  will  not  be  sent  to  the  field  ambulance  but  will  be 
sent  to  battalion  headquarters. 

The  arms  and  equipment  of  men  who  are  killed  will  be  col- 
lected at  battalion  headquarters  and  handed  over  to  the  quarter- 
master for  return  to  the  base. 

26.  RATION  PARTIES. — Parties  to  carry  rations,  water, 
and  material  to  the  companies  in  the  front  line  will  be  detailed 
from  the  companies  in  reserve. 

27.  EMPTY    CARTRIDGE    CASES   AND   RUBBISH.— At 
intervals  throughout  the  trenches  sandbags  will  be  hung  up  as 
receptacles  for  empty  cartridge  cases  and  chargers.    Others  will 
'be  hung  up  for  the  collection  of  rubbish.    Sandbags  to  be  labeled 
accordingly.    All  empty  cases  and  chargers  thus  collected  will  be 
sent  each  evening  to  battalion  H.  Q.  for  transmission  to  the  base. 

28.  DRESS,    ETC. — Men   must   be  properly   dressed   at   all 
times  and  as  smart  and  clean  as  circumstances  will  allow. 

All  men  must  shave  daily. 

Discipline  as  regards  saluting,  standing  to  attention,  etc., 
will  receive  as  much  attention  in  the  trenches  as  in  billets. 

29.  PRISONERS. — Should  any  prisoners  be  captured  they 
will  be  immediately  searched,  and  all  documents  found  on  them 
will  be  forwarded  to  brigade  H.  Q.  without  delay.     Germans 
usually  carry  all  documents  in  the  skirt  pockets  of  their  tunics. 
A  telephone  message  will  be  dispatched  to  brigade  H.  Q.  stating 
to  what  regiment  the  prisoners  belong. 

All  ranks  will  be  warned  that  should  they  find  themselves  in 
the  hands  of  the  enemy  it  is  only  necessary  for  them  to  give 
their  number,  name,  and  regiment.  No  other  information  what- 
ever will  be  given. 

30.  RETURNS. — The  following  returns  are  due  at  brigade 
H.  Q.  daily  when  in  the  trenches : — 

At    5.15a.m. — Situation  and  wind By  telephone. 

At  11.00  a.  m. — Strength  and  casualty  return 

Daily  report  on  typed  form By  orderly. 

Artillery  intelligence  report 

At    4.00p.m. — Situation  and  wind By  telephone. 

At    5.30  p.  m. — Intelligence   report By  orderly  or  telephone. 

At    9.00  p.  m. — Return  of  material  required  for 
trench  construction  to  be  sent 

up  the  following  evening By  telephone. 

Activity  by  the  enemy's  aeroplanes  will  always  be  reported. 


Brigade  Major,  Brigade. 


55TH  (WEST  LANCASHIRE)  DIVISION 
TRENCH  ORDERS. 


THIS  BOOK  IS  NOT  TO  BE  TAKEN  BEYOND  THE 
FRONT  TRENCHES. 


Every  officer,  and  every  noncommissioned  officer  in  command 
of  any  body  of  troops,  is  to  be  in  possession  of  this  book  and  to 
be  thoroughly  conversant  with  its  contents. 

J.  K.  COCHBANE, 

Lieut.  Colonel,  General  Staff, 

55th  (West  Lancashire)  Division. 
JANUARY,  1917. 


89 


CONTENTS. 


Section. 

Duties 1 

Sentries 2 

Patrols 3 

Alertness 4 

Stand  to ' 5 

Arrangements  in  case  of  attack 6 

Machine  guns 7 

Cooperation  between  artillery,  etc S 

Method  of  dealing  with  crater  formed  by  mine  explosion 9 

Reliefs— 

(a)  Reconnaissance 10 

(&)  Points  to  be  noted  by  company  commander 10 

(c)  Guides 10 

(d)  Smoking  and  talking 10 

(e)  Rate  of  march  to  trenches 10 

(/)  Procedure  on  arrival  in  trenches 10 

Wiring 11 

Organization  of  work  on  defenses 12 

Log  books 13 

Undercutting  trench  sides 14 

Communications : 15 

Ration  parties  from  front  trenches.- 16 

Firing  at  aeroplanes 17 

Rifles,  equipment,  and  ammunition 18 

Precautions  against  gas  attacks 19 

Action  during  enemy  gas  attack 20 

Action  after  enemy  gas  attack 21 

Action  during  gas  shell  bombardment 22 

Discipline  with  regard  to  carrying  small  box  respirators 23 

Vermorel  sprayers 24 

Sanitation ^ 25 

Rations  and  cooking 26 

Care  of  grenades 27 

Steel  helmets 28 

Issue  of  rum 29 

Chilled  feet  and  frost  bite 30 

41 


55TH  (WEST  LANCASHIRE)  DIVISION  TRENCH 
ORDERS. 


1.  DUTIES. —  (a)  One  officer  per  company  and  one  N.  C.  O. 
per  platoon  will  always  be  on  duty.  During  their  tour  of  duty 
they  will  not  be  in  their  dugouts.  They  will  frequently  visit  all 
trenches  occupied  by  their  units. 

Every  listening  post  will  be  visited,  if  possible,  by  an  officer 
once  during  his  tour  of  duty. 

( & )  The  officer  on  duty  will,  when  his  tour  of  duty  is  finished, 
inform  the  officer  relieving  him  and  report  to  him  the  situation, 
work  in  progress,  and  any  other  information  of  use. 

(c)  By  night  the  officer  and  N.  C.  O.  on  duty  will  frequently 
patrol  the  trench  line,  to  see  that  the  sentries  are  alert  and  to 
inquire  whether  they  have  any  information  about  the  enemy  to 
report. 

(d)  The  N.  C.  O.  coming  on  duty  will  go  around  and  post  new 
sentries  with  the  N.  C.  O.  coming  off  duty. 

(e)  The  length  of  each  tour  of  duty  will  naturally  depend  on 
the  number  of  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  available  in  the  company. 
Normally  each  tour  should  be,  by  night  2  hours,  by  day  4  hours, 
day  commencing  at  morning  "  stand  to  "  and  night  commencing 
at  evening  "  stand  to."    In  inclement  weather  the  tour  of  duty 
must  be  reduced. 

(/)  N.  C.  O.'s  after  posting  sentries  will  report  "  all  correct " 
or  otherwise  to  the  officer  on  duty. 

(g)  Men  will  be  warned  for  duty  by  the  platoon  sergeant  on 
duty.  This  will  be  done  at  evening  "  stand  to." 

(h)  On  being  detailed  for  duty  a  man  will  be  informed  at 
which  hours  he  will  come  on  duty. 

(«')  Except  under  special  circumstances,  such,  for  instance,  as 
a  sentry  being  killed  or  wounded,  no  sentry  will  be  relieved  by 
another  man  unless  the  relief  is  properly  carried  out  in  the 
presence  of  a  N.  C.  O. 

(;')  When  possible  to  do  so,  notice  boards  will  be  placed  in 
each  sections'  trench,  on  which  will  be  pinned  daily  all  orders 
regarding  working  parties  and  a  list  of  the  men  in  the  section 
giving  the  times  at  which  they  will  come  on  sentry  and  other 
duties. 

(fc)  The  company  commander  will  be  responsible  for  sending 
in  the  reports  required  by  battalion  H.  Q. 

43 


44  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

2.  SENTRIES. —  (a)  The  number  of  sentry  posts  required 
depends  oil  the  propinquity  or   otherwise  of  the   enemy,   the 
strength  of  obstacles,  the  ease  with  which  sentry  posts  can  be 
reinforced,  and  other  local  conditions.    There  must  be  sentries 
enough  to  insure  that  the  alarm  is  given  promptly  in  case  of 
attack,  and  that  local  resistance  is  sufficient  until  support  can 
arrive.    Brigade  commanders  are  responsible  that  these  require- 
ments are  met. 

(&)  Sentries  will  be  relieved  every  two  hours,  except  under 
bad  weather  conditions,  when  the  length  of  a  tour  of  sentry  duty 
will  be  reduced. 

(c)  The  next  relief  will  remain  within  arm's  length  of  the 
sentry. 

(d)  Every  sentry  is  to  be  regularly  posted  by  a  N.  C.  O.,  who 
will  explain  to  him  his  duties  and  ascertain  that  the  sentry  and 
his  relief  are  aware  of  the  position  of  the  section  and  platoon 
commanders,  and  of  the  sentries  on  either  side,  and  whether 
there  are  any  patrols  or  working  parties  out  in  front. 

(e)  In  important  places,  i.  e.,  where  enemy  are  suspected  of 
mining,  advanced  posts,  etc.,  no  man  should  be  posted  alone. 
There  should  be  a  double  sentry. 

(/)  No  man  who  has  been  on  work  during  the  day  will  be 
placed  on  sentry  till  he  has  had  at  least  4  hours  for  rest,  unless 
it  is  unavoidable. 

(g)  When  the  line  is  held  by  small  posts  at  a  considerable 
distance  apart,  a  visiting  patrol  will  also  be  maintained.  This 
patrol  will  be  responsible  for  the  passing  of  orders  along  the 
line  of  posts. 

(h)  All  orders  are  to  be  passed  along  the  line  by  one  platoon 
N.  C.  O.  on  duty  to  the  next  N.  C.  O.  on  duty. 

(i)  Every  sentry  is  to  report  when  an  officer  passes  his  post 
"  all  correct  "  or  otherwise. 

(/)  During  daylight  no  more  sentries  should  be  posted  than 
are  actually  necessary  to  insure  that  the  whole  front  to  be 
watched  is  kept  under  efficient  observation. 

(fc)  Every  sentry  by  day  will  be  provided  with  a  periscope. 

3.  PATROLS. —  (a)  It   is   the   duty   of  troops   holding   the 
front  line  to  establish  a  command  of  the  ground  in  front  of  their 
parapet  up  to  the  enemy's  wire.    This  can  only  be  done  by  active 
and  constant  patrolling  by  night  and  reconnaissance  by  day,  so 
that  the  ground  is  thoroughly  \vell  known  to  as  large  a  propor- 
tion as  possible  of  officers  and  other  ranks,  and  so  that  no 


SPECIMENS  OF  BKITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  45 

enemy  can  move  or  remain  in  it  by  day  or  night  without  fear  of 
death. 

( b )  Every  patrol  must  have  definite  orders  as  to  its  mission ; 
broadly   speaking,   patrols   may   be   divided   into   two   classes: 
(1)   Reconnoitering  patrols ;   (2)  fighting  patrols. 

(c)  The  first  duty  of  reconnoitering  patrols  is  to  obtain  the 
information  for  which  they  are  sent  out.     They  fight  only  in 
self-defense,  or  if  an  especially  favorable  opportunity  presents 
itself  of  inflicting  loss  on  the  enemy  without  prejudice  to  their 
mission.     They  usually  consist  of  from  2  to  6  men  under  an 
officer. 

(d)  Fighting  patrols  are  sent  out  with  the  express  purpose  of 
causing  loss  or  damage  to  the  enemy  by  such  means  as  engag- 
ing enemy  patrols  or  working  parties,  or  by  raiding  saps,  listen- 
ing posts,  or  trenches.     For  identification  purposes  they  should 
always  endeavor  to  secure  at  least  one  prisoner.     Their  strength 
depends  on  the  nature  of  the  resistance  they  are  likely  to  meet 
with. 

(e)  Battalion  commanders  are  responsible  for  the  orders  given 
to  patrols,  subject  to  any  instructions  which  may  be  issued  by 
higher   authority.     They   are   also  responsible  that   all   troops 
whom  it  concerns  are  warned  when  and  where  patrols  will  be 
out,  and  of  the  point  to  which  they  will  return. 

(/)  The  information  gained  by  patrols  is  of  little  value  unless 
transmitted  quickly  to  those  whom  it  concerns.  Patrol  reports 
will  be  made  out  by  the  commander  of  the  patrol  immediately 
on  his  return  and  dispatched  at  once  by  way  of  the  battalion 
H.  Q.  to  brigade  H.  Q.,  unless  orders  to  the  contrary  have  been 
given. 

4.  ALERTNESS. — Anything   seen    or    heard    in    connection 
with  the  enemy,  such  as  movements  of  individuals,  transport 
wagons,  troops,  working  parties,  etc.,  is  to  be  reported  to  the 
nearest  officer  by  anyone  who  observes  it  and  at  any  time. 

5.  STAND  TO. — "  Stand  to  "  will  take  place  one  hour  before 
sunrise  and  at  sunset.    At  this  parade  every  available  man  will 
be  present.     Rifles,  ammunition,  equipment,  clothing,  etc.,  will 
be  inspected.     Firing  steps  will  be  tested  as  soon  as  it  is  dusk  to 
see  that  each  man  can  fire  on  the  foot  of  the  nearest  part  of  the 
wire  entanglements  immediately  to  his  front.     They  are  not  to 
be  tested  at  "  stand  to  "  in  the  morning.     Rifles,  ammunition, 
and  equipment  will  be  inspected  after  "  stand  down "  in  the 
morning  and  at  "  stand  to  "  at  night.     Orders  will  be  issued  and 
steps  taken  to  see  that  the  men  understand  them.    Gas  helmets 


40  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

and  other  protective  appliances  will  be  inspected  in  accordance 
with  the  orders  in  force. 

The  time  for  "  stand  to  "  will  be  fixed  weekly  by  brigade  head- 
quarters. 

6.  ARRANGEMENTS  IN  CASE  OF  ATTACK.— (a)  The 
action  to  be  taken  in  case  of  attack  is  laid  down  in  defense 
schemes,  divisional,  brigade,  and  battalion,  with  reference  to 
each  form  of  attack  which  is  considerable  probable. 

(&)  In  addition,  minor  defense  schemes  will  be  drawn  up  for 
each  company  front,  based  on  battalion  defense  schemes,  and 
platoon  commanders  also  will  keep  up  schemes  based  on  that 
for  the  company  and  dealing  specially  with  the  action  of  their 
respective  platoons. 

(c)  All    the   above   schemes,    divisional,    brigade,   battalion, 
company,  and  platoon,  will  be  handed  over  at  each  relief  to  the 
relieving  formation,  unit,  etc.    They  will  be  made  out  in  con- 
sultation by  the  formations,  units,  etc.,  habitually  occupying  the 
defenses  with  which  they  deal. 

(d)  The  object  of  defense  schemes  is  to  insure  that  every 
officer,  N.  C.  O.,  and  man  knows  what  to  do  in  case  of  attack, 
and  does  it  instinctively  and  promptly.     The  minor  schemes  must 
therefore  be  detailed  and  exact,  and  each  officer  and  man  must 
have  his  duties  thoroughly  explained  to  him  by  his  immediate 
superior.    All  defense  schemes  will  be  rehearsed  once  in  each 
relief. 

(e)  At  each  relief  of  a  battalion,  company,  or  platoon  the 
commander  of  it  will  report  to  his  immediate  commander  that 
he  has  taken  over  and  understands  the  defense  schemes  for  the 
position  he  is  occupying. 

(/)  All  officers'  servants,  bombers,  orderlies,  etc.,  will  have 
duties  allotted  to  them  in  case  of  attack. 

7.  MACHINE   GUNS. — (a)  The    concealment   of   machine- 
gun  emplacements  is  important;  consequently  it  is  only  in  case 
of  attack  that  machine  guns  will  be  fired  from  their  defense  em- 
placements. 

(&)  Unless  emplacements  are  well  concealed  guns  will  not  be 
mounted,  except  between  evening  and  morning  "  stand  to." 

(c)  The  guns  and  their  crews  will  be  tactically  under  the 
orders  of  the  battalion  commander  in  whose  subsector  they  are 
located,  but  no  alteration  will  be  made  by  him  in  their  disposi- 
tion or  arcs  of  fire;  he  will,  however,  bring  before  his  brigade 
commander  any  suggestion  for  improvement  in  the  machine-gun 
dispositions  for  defense. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  47 

(d)  Two  men  per  gun  will  always  be  on  duty  with  the  gun. 

(e)  At  dusk,  but  while  there  is  still  sufficient  light,  each  gun 
will  be  laid  on  the  center  line  of  the  zone  alloted  to  it. 

(/)  Range  cards  will  be  prepared  and  kept  with  each  gun. 

(g)  Officers  will  live  in  close  proximity  to  their  guns.  They 
will  daily  inspect  their  guns,  emplacements,  and  ammunition. 
They  are  responsible  for  the  cleanliness  and  maintenance  of  the 
emplacements. 

(h)  The  machine-gun  company  commander  is  responsible  that 
his  guns  are  always  ready  for  action,  that  the  emplacements  are 
clear  of  all  material  except  such  as  is  required  for  the  service 
of  the  gun,*  that  embrasures  or  loopholes  are  kept  clear  of  all 
obstructions  which  may  interfere  with  fire  or  view,  and  that  the 
ammunition  is  in  good  condition. 

8.  COOPERATION    BETWEEN    ARTILLERY,     INFAN- 
TRY, MACHINE-GUN  COMPANIES,  AND  TRENCH  MOR- 
TAR BATTERIES. — The  defense  of  any  line  depends  largely 
on  the  cordial  cooperation  of  all  officers  responsible  for  the 
different  means  of  defense.     Every  opportunity  is  to  be  taken 
by  officers  of  artillery,  infantry,  machine-gun  companies,   and 
trench  mortar  batteries  of  becoming  personally  acquainted  with 
each  other  and  gaining  a  knowledge  of  each  other's  methods. 
The  Artillery  liaison  officer  with  a  battalion  is  to  be  looked  on 
as  temporarily  a  member  of  battalion  H.  Q. 

9.  PRECAUTIONS    WHEN    ONE    OF    OUR    MINES    IS 
EXPLODED. —  (a)  In  the  event  of  one  of  our  own  mines  being 
exploded,  a  clear  space  of  5  yards  will  be  kept  on  either  side 
of  the  mouth  of  the  mine,  shaft. 

(&)  On  any  front  where  enemy  mining  exists,  or  is  suspected, 
detailed  schemes  of  action  will  be  prepared,  under  the  direction 
of  the  brigade  commander,  to  deal  with  any  case  of  a  mine  being 
blown  within  or  without  our  trench  line ;  and  specially  organized 
parties  will  be  kept  in  immediate  readiness  for  prompt  occupa- 
tion of  the  crater,  where  this  is  advisable  (as  in  the  case  of  a 
crater  within  or  near  our  trench  line),  or  for  dealing  with  enemy 
action.  All  stores  required  for  consolidation  will  be  kept  handy 
at  a  special  dump  in  instant  readiness  and  made  up  into  man 
loads.  The  orders  for  action,  down  to  the  minutest  detail,  will 
be  incorporated  in  the  defense  scheme  and  made  known  to  every 
individual  who  may  have  to  carry  them  out. 

10.  RELIEFS. —  (a)   Reconnaissance. — Prior  to  taking  over 
a  new  line  of  trenches,  the  commanding  officer,  adjutant,  and 
company  commanders  of  battalions,   and  the  commanders  of 


48  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

M.  G.  Coys,  and  trench  mortar  batteries,  will  reconnoiter  the 
trenches. 

(&)  Points  to  be  noted  by  company  commanders. — The  fol- 
lowing, atriong  others,  are  points  to  be  specially  noted  by  com- 
pany commanders  before  taking  over  trenches: 

(i)  Number  of  men  holding  line  to  be  taken  over  and  distri- 
bution. 

(ii)  Shelter  accommodation. 

(iii)  Work  being  done  and  proposed. 

(iv)  Condition  of  the  wire  and  defenses  generally. 

(v)  Information  as  to  the  enemy,  his  habits,  snipers,  the  work 
he  is  doing,  etc. 

(vi)  Water  supply. 

(vii)  Artillery  support. 

(viii)  Communications. 

(c)  Guides. —  (i)  Arrangements   will  be  made  between   the 
C.  O.'s  of  incoming  and  outgoing  battalions  as  to  the  rendezvous 
where  guides  will  be  provided  by  the  latter  to  conduct  the  in- 
coming troops  to  the  trenches. 

(ii)  One  guide  per  platoon,  one  for  each  company  H.  Q.,  and 
one  for  battalion  H.  Q.  will  be  provided. 

These  guides  must  know  the  exact  spot  where  they  will  meet 
the  relieving  troops  and  the  best  and  safest  way  to  the  trenches. 

(d)  Smoking   and   talking. — After   leaving  the   rendezvous 
there  is  to  be  no  smoking  or  talking  till  arrival  in  the  trenches. 

(e)  Bate  of  march  to  trenches. — The  rate  of  marching  to 
the  trenches  from  billets  will  not  exceed  2  miles  an  hour. 

Strictest  march  discipline  is  to  be  enforced  on  the  way  to  and 
from  the  trenches. 

(/)  Procedure  on  arrival  in  trenches. —  (i)  The  troops  being 
relieved  will  not  leave  the  trenches  until  the  relieving  troops  are 
in  position  and  new  sentries  have  been  posted,  all  trench  stores 
have  been  handed  over  and  receipts  received,  and  orders  to 
move  have  been  received  from  the  company  commander. 

(ii)  Platoon  commanders  will  at  once  personally  examine  all 
firing  positions  and  satisfy  themselves  that  each  man  can  fire  on 
the  foot  of  the  nearest  part  of  the  wire  entanglement. 

(iii)  They  will  examine  the  ammunition  and  grenade  stores, 
vermorel  sprayers,  and  antigas  solution. 

(iv)  Battalion  H.  Q.  will  report  to  brigade  H.  Q.  as  soon  as 
relief  is  completed. 

When  the  relief  is  completed  company  commanders  will  re- 
port to  that  effect  to  battalion  H.  Q. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  49 

When  shelters  are  some  way  behind  the  fire  trench  they  should 
not  be  used  during  the  first  night  of  relief. 

(v)  Men  will  not  be  dismissed  until  the  company  commander 
has  received  reports  from  all  his  platoon  commanders  that 
everything  is  in  order.  On  taking  over  trenches  the  garrison 
wiil  "  Stand  to  "  at  alarm  posts  before  being  dismissed. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  many  questions  a  platoon  com- 
mander should  ask  himself  on  taking  over  a  trench  and  at  fre- 
quent intervals  afterwards: 

1.  I  am  here  for  two  purposes:  To  hold  this  line  under  all 
circumstances  and  to  do  as  much  damage  as  possible  to  the 
enemy*    Am  I  doing  all  I  can  to  make  this  line  as  strong  as 
possible?    Am   I   as   offensive  as   I   might  be  with   organized 
snipers,  sniperscopes,  rifle  grenades,  etc.,  and  patrols? 

2.  Do  I  connect  up  all  right  with  the  platoons  on  my  right 
and  left?    Do  I  know  the  position  of  my  nearest  support? 

3.  Does  every  man  know  his  firing  position,  and  can  he  fire 
from  it,  over  the  parapet,  at  the  foot  of  the  wire? 

4.  Where  are  my  S.  A.  A.  and  bomb  stores?    Are  they  under 
cover  from  the  weather? 

5.  Do  all  my   men  know   their  duties   in   case   of  attack — 
bombers  especially? 

6.  Are  all  my  rifles  and  ammunition  clean  and  in  good  order? 
Have  all  the  men  got  rifle  covers?    Are  the  magazines  kept 
charged  ? 

7.  Is  my  wire  strong  enough? 

8.  Are  my  parapets  and  traverses  bullet  proof  everywhere? 

9.  Where  are  my  sally  ports  and  gaps  in  my  wire? 

10.  Where  are  my  listening  posts?    Are  my  listening  patrols 
properly  detailed  ? 

11.  What  points  in  front  particularly  require  patrolling  at 
night? 

12.  Are  my  sentries  in  their  right  places?    Are  they  properly 
posted  by  N.  C.  O.'s?    Have  they  received  proper  instructions? 

13.  Have  I  got  the  S.  O.  S.  message  in  my  pocket,  and  do  I 
know  the  orders  regarding  its  use? 

14.  Are  the  trenches  as  clean  and  as  sanitary  as  they  might 
be?    Are  live  rounds  and  cases  properly  collected?    Are  my 
bags  for  refuse  and  empties  in  position? 

15.  Are  my  trenches  as  dry  as  I  might  make  them? 

16.  Am  I  doing  all  I  can  to  prevent  my  men  getting  "  trench 
feet"? 


60  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

17.  How  can  I  prevent  my  parapets  and  dugouts  from  fall- 
ing in? 

18.  Have  I  carefully  studied  the  ground  in  front  and  noted 
all  places  where  Germans  expose  themselves  or  are  likely  to 
do  so?    Have  I  taken  advantage  of  suitable  spots  in  the  ground 
in  front  of  my  parapet  or  behind  my  trenches  to  make  "  snip- 
ers' "  lairs,  besides  making  loopholes  in  the  parapet? 

19.  Have  my  men  always  got  their  box  respirators  on  them, 
and  are  they  in  good  order? 

20.  Are  the  arrangements,  in  case  of  gas  attack  complete  and 
known  to  all  ranks? 

21.  Are  the  orders  as  to  wearing  equipment  carried  out? 

22.  Are  my  men  using  wood  from  the  defenses  as  firewood? 

23.  Are.  my   men  drinking  water  from   any  but   authorized 
sources?    Are  the  arrangements  for  cooking  and  the  care  of 
rations  as  clean  and  sanitary  as  they  can  be  made?    Are  dugr 
outs  and  shelters  kept  clean  and  tidy? 

24.  I  am  here  for  two  purposes:  To  hold  this  line  under  all 
circumstances,  and  to  do  as  much  damage  as  possible  to  the 
enemy.     Am  I  doing  all  I  can  to  make  this  line  as  strong  as 
possible?    Am   I   as   offensive  as   I   might  be  with  . organized 
snipers,  sniperscopes,  rifle  grenades,  etc.,  and  patrols? 

11.  WIRING.— (a)  Each  company  will  have  a  party  of  1 
N.  C.  O.  and  6  men  who  will  be  specially  trained  in  wiring. 
They  will  go  out  nightly  and  repair  and  improve  the  wire  along 
the  company  front.     The  definite  duty  allotted  to  trained  wirers 
will  not  preclude  the  use  of  other  men  to  increase  the  amount 
of  wire  along  the  front. 

(6)  The  wire  defenses  of  the  front  must  be  such  as  to  pre- 
clude the  enemy  from  throwing  bombs  into  our  trench  from  the 
outer  edge  of  our  wire.  The  nearest  wire  to  our  parapet 
should  be  30  yards  from  it,  and  should  be  20  yards  at  least  in 
depth. 

12.  ORGANIZATION    OF    WORK    ON    DEFENSES.— (a) 
The  Infantry  brigade  commander  is  responsible  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  front  line  system  of  trenches,  under  direction  of 
the  division  and  with  the  advice  and  assistance  of  the  field  com- 
pany commander. 

(&)  One  field  company  will  usually  be  allotted  to  each  bri- 
gade area  for  work  under  the  C.  R.  E. 

(c)  The  O.  G.  field  company  will  act  as  technical  adviser  to 
the  Infantry  brigadiers,  and  with  his  officers  will  visit  fre- 
quently the  front  line  trenches  and  other  trenches  in  the  area, 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  51 

and  be  responsible  for  the  technical  quality  of  the  work  done  in 
them;  if  necessary  he  will  supply  R.  E.  personnel  for  supervi- 
sion, but  this  will  be  done  sparingly,  for  the  Infantry  should  be 
trained  to  do  all  ordinary  maintenance  and  repair  work,  such 
as  repairing  wire,  rebuilding  of  parapets,  fixing  U  frames  and 
revetment  hurdles,  construction  of  ordinary  dugouts,  keeping 
trenches  drained,  etc.,  without  It.  E.  assistance  or  supervision, 
leaving  the  R.  E.  free  for  work  requiring  technical  skill,  such 
as — 

New  works. 

Concrete  dugouts  and  machine-gun  emplacements. 

Main  drainage,  etc. 

(d)  The  pioneers  will  be  employed  under  the  C.  R.  E.  on  special 
jobs  under  their  own  officers,  such  as — 

Construction  of  new  trenches. 
Repair  of  communication  trenches. 
Preparation  of  camps,  etc. 

(e)  The  battalion  commander  is  responsible  for  all  work  done 
in  his  subsector,  and  is,  under  the  brigade  commander,  responsi- 
ble for  drawing  up  a  time-table  allotting  hours  for  work,  rest, 
and  meals.     Time-tables  will  be  sumbitted  in  the  first  instance 
to  brigade  H.  Q.  for  approval,  and  will  then  remain  in  force  till 
altered,  any  alteration  being  submitted  in  the  same  way  as  the 
original. 

The  following  table  is  an  example : 

Instructions  for  working  party. 
[To  be  used  by  all  officers  requiring  or  detailing  a  working  party.] 

Working  party  from 

Officers O.  R 

Rendezvous Time 

Guide  will  be  furnished  by 

Tools , 

To  be  drawn  from__ 


Stores 

To  be  drawn  from. 


Instructions  on  the  work  from 

Time  party  will  stop  work 

Whether  haversack  rations  are  to  be  brought. 


52  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(/)  All  work  on  the  fire  trench  should  be  carried  out  by  the 
garrison  of  the  trench,  assisted,  if  necessary,  by  the  garrison  of 
the  support  and  the  reserve  trenches. 

(#)  All  work  in  rear  of  the  fire  trenches  will  be  carried  out 
by  the  garrison  of  the  support  and  reserve  trenches. 

(h)  Efficiency  of  work  depends,  firstly,  on  organization,  and, 
secondly,  on  supervision.  Without  these,  effort  is  wasted  and 
work  is  unsatisfactory. 

(i)  Organization  demands  forethought.  Every  officer  charged 
with  the  execution  of  any  work  must — 

(i)  Think  out  beforehand  exactly  how  it  is  to  be  per- 
formed, and  how  many  men  are  necessary  to  carry 
it  out,  including  any  carrying  parties  that  may  be 
wanted, 
(ii)  Appoint  a  place  and  time   (if  this  is  not  already 

fixed  by  routine)  for  the  assembly  of  the  party, 
(iii)  Ensure  that  the  necessary  tools  are  forthcoming,  and 
that  they  are  either  brought  by  the  party  to  the 
place  of  assembly,  or  are  available  for  them  there, 
(iv)  Ensure  that  the  necessary  materials  are  at  hand  or 
arrange  for  their  conveyance  to  the  place  of  work 
by  the  wrorking  party  or  by  a  separate  carrying 
party  before  the  working  party  arrives  there, 
(v)  Parade  the  working  party  at  the  place  of  assembly, 
and  tell  each  individual  off  to  his  task,  or,  in  the 
case  of  larger  parties,  tell  off  their  respective  tasks, 
and  appoint  a  N.  C.  O.  or  soldier  in  each  squad  to 
be  responsible  for  the  work. 

(/)  Supervision  demands  energy  and  watchfulness.  The  officer 
charged  with  the  execution  of  the  work  will  always  personally 
supervise  it.  Working  parties  will,  as  far  as  possible,  be  de- 
tailed by  companies,  platoons,  or  sections,  and  will  be  accom- 
panied by  all  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  belonging  to  them,  who  will 
remain  with  the  party  and  be  responsible  for  the  continuance 
and  direction  of  the  work  of  their  own  men  during  its  execution, 
(fc)  Unless  work  has  to  be  performed  with  equipment  on, 
jackets  should  be  taken  off  (except  in  inclement  weather)  while 
men  are  actually  working  and  put  on  at  once  when  they  stop. 

(I)  The  best  work  is  obtained  from  men  when  they  are  given 
certain  definite  tasks,  proportionate  to  the  time  they  are  to 
work,  and  allowed  to  fall  out  when  the  task  is  finished.  If  this 
can  not  be  done,  a  fair  task  must  be  exacted  and  men  who  idle 
given  extra  tasks  after  the  rest  are  dismissed. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  53 

(m)  A  working  party  which  is  too  big  for  the  task  in  hand  is 
worse  than  one  which  is  too  small,  since  one  man  who  has  no 
job  generally  makes  several  others  idle. 

(n)  All  officers  and  other  ranks  must  be  made  to  understand 
that  working  is  as  useful  and  important  as  fighting;  that  good 
work  deserves  as  much  credit  as  good  fighting,  and  that  bad 
work  brings  discredit  on  himself  and  his  battalion. 

(o)  A  covering  party  will  be  provided  for  digging  and  wiring 
parties  outside  the  front  trenches.  When  such  parties  are  being 
employed  an  adequate  garrison  will  be  left  in  the  front  trench. 

(p)  The  .word  "  fatigue  "  will  never  be  employed  in  connection 
with  work  in  the  trenches  or  other  defences. 

13.  LOG  BOOKS. — Each  company  commander  in  front  line 
or  support  trenches  will  keep  a  log  book  (Army  Book  136)  in 
which  will  be  entered — 

(i)  Work  done; 
(ii)  Number  of  men  working; 
(iii)  Hours  worked; 

(iv)  Information  obtained  from  patrols,  sentries,  or  other 
sources,   as   to   the   enemy,   his   habits,    and    his 
trenches. 
The  above  will  be  entered  daily. 

(v)   Work  projected  or  ordered,  in  order  of  importance ; 
(vi)  A  list  of  trench  stores. 

The  log  book  will  be  inspected  daily  by  the  battalion  com- 
mander and  frequently  by  the  brigade  staff. 

14.  UNDERCUTTING  TRENCH  SIDES.— (a)   The  under- 
cutting of  trench  sides  to  make  shelters  is  forbidden. 

(&)  When  shelters  are  made  the  required  space  from  the 
ground  level  downwards  will  be  cut  out,  and  a  roof,  supported  on 
reliable  posts,  will  be  made. 

15.  COMMUNICATIONS.— (a)   Artillery  lines  will  be  laid 
on  the  north  and  west  sides  of  trenches.    Infantry  lines  on  south 
and  east. 

(6)  The  Infantry  brigade  signal  officer  will  exercise  general 
supervision  over  all  lines  in  the  brigade  area,  and  will  notify 
Artillery  brigades  when  any  Artillery  lines  require  attention  or 
relaying.  He  will  assist  the  Artillery  whenever  it  may  be  pos- 
sible to  do  so. 

(c)  All  essential  lines  should  be  buried  to  a  depth  of  at  least  6 
feet.  Lines  in  the  communication  trenches  should  be  reduced  to 
a  minimum. 


54  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(d)  Lines  will  be  clearly  labeled  at  every  hundred  yards  and 
at  every  junction  with  another  line. 

(e)  All  lines  will  be  carefully  patrolled  at  least  once  daily. 
(/)   One  telephonist  will  always  be  on  duty. 

(g)  Telephone  communication  to  battalion  headquarters  and 
the  company  on  each  flank  will  be  frequently  tested. 

(h)  All  "  dead  "  lines  will  be  reeled  up  at  once. 

(i)  Every  man  is  to  know  the  position  of  his  platoon  com- 
mander's shelter  and  of  the  company  headquarters. 

(;')  At  least  two  men  per  section  of  the  support  and  reserve 
companies  must  be  able  to  act  as  guides  to  all  the  company  head- 
quarters of  the  battalion. 

(fc)  All  officers  must  know  the  shortest  route  from  their  own 
headquarters  to  those  of  the  company  on  their  flanks  and  to  their 
own  battalion  headquarters. 

(?)  It  is  most  important  to  maintain  always  visual  signaling 
communications  from  the  front  line  as  far  back  as  brigade  head- 
quarters. Brigade  signal  officers  will  be  responsible  to  brigades 
that  this  is  done.  One  message  by  day  and  one  by  night  will  be 
sent  daily  over  each  visual  signaling  route.  These  will  be 
checked  by  the  brigade  staff  at  least  once  a  week  to  insure  that 
they  are  transmitted  promptly  and  accurately. 

(m)  Pigeons  when  relieved  by  fresh  ones  will  be  flown  back, 
each  with  a  test  message  to  brigade  headquarters.  Times  taken 
from  battalion  headquarters  to  brigade  headquarters  will  be 
checked  in  each  case  by  the  brigade  signal  officer,  and  once  a 
week  at  least  by  the  brigade  staff. 

(n)  The  brigade  signal  section  while  with  the  brigade  forms 
an  integral  part  of  brigade  headquarters.  The  brigade  com- 
mander is  responsible  to  higher  authority  for  the  communica- 
tions within  his  brigade  sector  and  must  have  full  knowledge  of 
them.  He  exercises  control  over  his  signals  through  the  brigade 
signal  officer.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  brigade  signal  officer  to  bring 
to  the  notice  of  the  brigade  commander,  as  well  as  of  the  officer 
commanding  divisional  signal  company,  any  defects  which  exist 
or  any  improvements  which  can  be  made. 

16.  RATION  PARTIES  FOUND  FROM  FRONT 
TRENCHES. — Usually  rations  and  stores  will  be  carried  up 
to  the  trenches  by  supports  and  reserves.  If  this  is  not  possible, 
and  it  is  necessary  that  men  from  the  front  trenches  have  to  be 
employed,  not  more  than  10  per  cent  of  the  men  in  the  firing  line 
are  to  be  away  from  the  trenches  at  the  same  time. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  55 

17.  FIRING   AT   AEROPLANES.— Will   not  be  permitted 
except  by  order  of  an  officer. 

18.  RIFLES,  EQUIPMENT,  AND  AMMUNITION  (Carry- 
ing and  wearing-  of). —  (a)   Equipment  will  always  be  worn  in 
the  front  trenches.     Haversacks,  water  bottles,  packs,  and  en- 
trenching tools  need  not  be  worn.    In  the  support  and  reserve 
trenches  equipment  will  be  worn  at  the  discretion  of  the  brigade 
commander. 

(&)  Ration  and  carrying  parties,  orderlies,  etc.,  will  \vear 
equipment  and  carry  rifles  unless  otherwise  ordered  in  special 
cases  by  an  officer.  Permission  to  discard  equipment,  and  par- 
ticularly to  discard  arms,  should  be  sparingly  given. 

(c)  Loading  of  rifles. — Except  when  it  is  necessary  to  shoot,  a 
round  will  never  be  kept  in  the  chamber.     Cut-offs  will  always 
be  "  in  "  and  the  safety  catch  "  back." 

(d)  The  magazine  will  be  kept  charged  with  five  rounds. 

(e)  In  the  fire  trenches,  bayonets  will  be  fixed  at  night. 

(/)  Care  of  rifles. — All  rifles  and  ammunition  will  be  inspected 
by  an  officer  at  least  twice  a  day,  viz,  at  mojrning  and  evening 
"  Stand  to."  They  must  be  kept  scrupulously  clean  at  all  times, 
and  any  mud  or  grit  removed  at  once  without  waiting  for  the 
next  inspection.  Breech  covers  will  always  be  kept  on  rifles, 
and  so  fixed  that  they  can  be  immediately  cast  loose.  Each 
platoon  will  have  its  full  complement  of  "  breech  clearers  "  in 
charge  of  men  fully  instructed  in  their  use. 

(y)  Noncommissioned  officers  and  men  in  firing  line  and  sup- 
port will  at  all  times  be  in  possession  of  their  rifles  and  bayonets. 
The  rifles  of  men  in  support  reserve  trenches  or  dugouts  may 
be  placed  in  protected  racks,  so  that  they  can  be  seized  quickly. 
Not  more  than  six  will  be  in  one  rack. 

(h)  In  very  cold  weather  sentries  will  occasionally  work  the 
bolt  of  the  rifle  to  prevent  the  striker  becoming  frozen. 

(0  On  no  account  is  the  rifle  to  be  used  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  camp  kettles  and  other  loads. 

(;')  Ammunition  boxes  in  the  trenches  will  be  examined  fre- 
quently to  see  if  the  lids  work  easily.  They  will  not  be  need- 
lessly broken  into.  Each  box  will  be  placed  on  its  side  in  a 
recess,  protected  from  the  weather,  with  the  lid  facing  outwards, 
and  with  the  broader  end  of  the  wooden  lid  uppermost. 

( />• )   Every  man  will  have  120  rounds  in  his  possession. 

(?)  Platoon  commanders  will  report  at  "Stand  to"  whether 
their  ammunition  is  correct  or  otherwise. 


56  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(m)  Except  in  cases  of  emergency  no  bandoliers  will  be  issued 
to  men  in  the  trenches. 

(n)  Disposal  of  rifles,  equipment,  and  ammunition. — Men 
wounded  and  going  sick  will,  if  able  to  walk,  wear  their  equip- 
ment and  carry  their  rifles.  The  rifles  and  equipment  of  men 
unable  to  carry  them,  and  also  those  of  dead  men,  will  be  sent 
back  to  the  dressing  station.  All  rifles,  however,  badly  damaged, 
and  equipment  damaged  or  not  required,  will  be  sent  back  to  the 
quartermaster.  Damaged  cartridges  and  empty  cases  will  be 
collected  in  sacks  hung  up  in  the  trenches  for  the  purpose  and 
returned  to  the  quartermaster. 

19.  PBECAUTIONS  AGAINST  GAS  ATTACK.— When 
"Wind  dangerous  "  is  ordered,  the  following  arrangements  will- 
be  carried  out : 

(i)  All  small  box  respirators  and  P.  H.  helmets  will  be  care- 
fully inspected ;  such  inspections  will  be  carried  out  daily  during 
the  "Wind  dangerous  "  period. 

(ii)  Within  a  mile  of  the  front  line  the  small  box  respirator 
will  be  worn  in  the  "Alert"  position  on  the  chest  with  flap  un- 
buttoned, but  protecting  the  respirator  from  the  wet. 

(a)  The  small  box  respirator  will  be  worn  in  the  "Alert " 
position  outside  all  clothing. 

(&)  Nothing  will  be  carried  slung  across  the  body  in  such  a 
way  as  to  interfere  with  the  adjustment  of  the  box  respirator. 

(iii)  Where  for  any  reason  a  man  is  not  in  possession  of  a 
small  box  respirator,  he  will  wear  his  P.  H.  helmet  pinned  to  the 
shirt  in  the  "Alert  "  position. 

(iv)  The  chin  strap  of  the  steel  helmet  will  on  no  account  be 
worn  under  the  chin  to  impede  the  adjustment  of  the  mask. 

(v)  Detached  parties  of  men  moving  within  a  mile  of  the  front 
line  will  strictly  observe  the  precautions  laid  down  in  (ii),  (iii), 
and  (iv).  Commanding  officers  will  be  held  responsible  that 
this  is  done. 

( vi )  The  duties  of  sentries  are : 

(a)  To  give  warning; 

( b )  To  adjust  immediately  the  curtains  of  gas-proof  dugouts, 
(vii)  All  working  parties  east  of  the  line  POPEBINGHE — BAIL- 

LEUL — ESTAIRES  will  have  a  sentry  posted  to  give  instant  warn- 
ing of  a  gas  attack. 

(viii)  A  sentry  will  be  posted  at  each  Strombos  horn  or  simi- 
lar alarm  and  instructed  in  its  use. 

(ix)  A  sentry  will  be  posted  at  every  tunnel  dugout  or  other 
dugout  holding  more  than  10  men. 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  57 

(x)  A  sentry  will  be  posted  to  each  group  of  two  or  three 
small  dugouts. 

(xi)  A  sentry  will  be  posted  on  each  headquarters,  signal 
office,  and  independent  body  of  men  east  of  the  line  POPE- 
RINGHE — BAILLEUL — ESTAIRES. 

(xii)  Men  sleeping  in  rearward  lines,  works,  or  rest  billets 
where  they  are  allowed  to  take  off  their  equipment  will  sleep 
with  their  small  box  respirators  round  their  necks,  and  must 
know  exactly  where  their  P.  H.  helmet  is  to  be  found. 

(xiii)  Company  gas  N.  C.  O.'s  will  report  to  company  head- 
quarters in  readiness  to  assist  the  company  commander  should 
a  gas  attack  occur. 

(xiv)  Medical  officers  will  be  responsible  that  a  proper  pro- 
portion of  the  ammonia  capsules  issued  to  them  are  with 
stretcher  bearers  in  the  front  line  in  readiness  for  their  imme- 
diate use  after  a  gas  attack. 

(xv)  Company  gas  N.  C.  O.'s  will  inspect  daily  all  antigas 
apparatus — Strombos  horns,  flapper  fans,  vacuum  bulbs,  and 
stores  of  combustibles  for  clearing  dugouts.  They  will  see  that 
gas-proof  dugouts  are  kept  in  good  order  and  the  curtains 
sprayed. 

(xvi)  An  officer  on  duty  will  be  detailed  from  each  company 
in  reserve,  except  resting  battalions. 

(xvii)  Commanders  of  units  in  billets  east  of  the  line  POPE- 
RINGHE — BAILLEUL — ESTAIEES  will  organize  a  system  of  giving 
the  alarm  and  rousing  the  men  in  cellars  or  houses. 

20.  ACTION  DURING  ENEMY  GAS  ATTACK.— In  the 
event  of  an  enemy  gas  attack  the  following  action  will  be 
taken : 

(i)  The  alarm  will  at  once  be  given  by  all  means  available; 
by  telephone,  gongs,  Strombos  horns,  and,  if  necessary,  by  or- 
derly, and  in  accordance  with  paras,  (iv)  and  (v). 

(ii)  THERE  SHOULD  BE  AS  LITTLE  MOVEMENT  AND  TALKING  AS 
POSSIBLE.  All  ranks  wrill  at  once  adjust  their  small  box  respira- 
tors. In  front  lines,  and  wherever  the  tactical  situation  de- 
mands, they  will  stand  to  arms.  In  rear  lines,  where  there  are 
large  gas-proof  dugouts,  there  is  no  objection,  provided  the  tac- 
tical situation  allows  it,  to  men,  with  the  exception  of  sentries 
and  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  on  duty,  remaining  in  the  gas-proof 
dugouts.  In  any  case  small  box  respirators  will  be  adjusted 
immediately  the  alarm  is  given  and  before  the  men  leave  the 
dugout. 


58  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

(iii)  On  the  alarm  being  given,  all  bodies  of  troops  or  trans- 
port on  the  move  will  halt,  and  all  working  parties  cease  work 
until  the  gas  cloud  has  passed. 

(iv)  Should  the  gas  cloud  be  unaccompanied  by  an  infantry 

attack,  the  message  "  Gas  attack,  trench : ,"  but 

not  the  S.  O.  S.  signal,  will  be  sent. 

(v)  Should  an  infantry  attack  develop,  the  normal  procedure 
of  S.  O.  S.  will  be  carried  out. 

(vi)  Troops  in  the  front  line  not  affected  by  gas  must  be 
warned  to  be  prepared  to  bring  a  cross  fire  to  bear  on  the  enemy 
when  he  attempts  to  advance  against  a  gassed  portion  of  the 
trench. 

(vii)  If  a  relief  is  in  progress,  units  should  stand  steady  as 
far  as  possible  until  the  gas  cloud  has  passed. 

(viii)  Supports,  and  parties  bringing  up  ammunition  and 
grenades,  will  only  be  moved  up  if  the  tactical  situation  de- 
mands. 

(ix)  The  blanket  doorways  of  protected  dugouts  will  be 
properly  adjusted. 

(x)  Men  in  charge  of  combustibles  and  fans  will  prepare  to 
use  them  as  soon  as  the  gas  cloud  has  passed,  so  as  to  admit  of 
helmets  being  removed. 

(xi)  Helmets  will  not  be  removed  after  a  gas  attack  until 
permission  has  been  given  by  the  company  commander,  who  will 
ascertain  from  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  trained  at  the  divisional 
gas  school  that  it  is  safe  to  do  so.  Trenches  will  be  fanned 
clear  of  gas  with  fans  and  sandbags. 

(xii)  In  order  to  guard  against  the  danger  of  a  subsequent  gas 
cloud,  all  ranks,  as  soon  as  the  gas  is  clear  and  permission  has 
been  received  to  remove  their  masks,  will  replace  them  in  the 
"  alert "  position. 

A  SHARP  LOOKOUT  WILL  BE  MAINTAINED  AS  LONG  AS  THE  WTIND 
CONTINUES  IN  A  DANGEROUS  QUARTER,  AND  MEN  WILL  SLEEP  ON 
THE  FIRE  STEP,  WITHIN  REACH  OF  A  SENTRY.  A  SUBSEQUENT  GAS 
CLOUD  IS  ALWAYS  LIKELY. 

(xiii)  Dugouts  will  not  be  entered  for  at  least  four  hours  after 
a  gas  attack,  and  should  be  ventilated  freely.  Ventilation 
(natural  or  by  means  of  fires  and  antigas  fans)  is  the  only 
sure  method  of  clearing  a  dugout.  If  dugouts  have  to  be  entered 
owing  to  heavy  shelling,  this  should  be  done  with  the  utmost 
caution,  and  gas  helmets  put  on  at  the  slightest  trace  of  gas. 
The  clearing  of  dugouts  should  not  be  carried  out  by  men  who 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  59 

have  been  even  slightly  affected  by  gas.  Dugouts  can  be  effi- 
ciently ventilated  by  means  of  a  small  fire  burning  in  the  center 
of  a  dugout  or  cellar  for  20  minutes.  This  method  has  been 
proved  by  experiments  to  be  effective,  but  should  be  employed 
with  due  regard  to  the  danger  of  smoke  being  visible  to  the 
enemy.  Dry  wood  or  other  combustibles  will  be  kept  in  readiness 
for  the  purpose. 

(xiv)  Special  arrangements  will  be  made  by  corps  for  warn- 
ing the  civil  authorities  who  are  responsible  for  the  protection 
and  warning  of  all  civilians  within  the  corps  area. 

21.  ACTION  AFTER  ENEMY  GAS  ATTACK.— (i)   Smok- 
ing will  be  prohibited  for  a  period  of  three  hours  after  the  gas 
has  ceased. 

(ii)  After  a  gas  attack  troops  in  the  front  trenches  will  be 
relieved  of  all  fatigue  and  carrying  work  for  24  hours  by  send- 
ing up  working  parties  from  companies  in  rear.  Horses  should 
not  be  worked  for  a  similar  period  if  it  can  be  avoided. 

(iii)  No  man  suffering  from  effects  of  gas  will  be  permitted  to 
walk  to  the  dressing  station. 

(iv)  Rifles  and  machine  guns  should  be  cleaned  immediately 
after  a  gas  attack ;  oil  cleaning  will  prevent  corrosion  for  12 
hours,  but  the  first  available  opportunity  should  be  taken  to 
clean  all  parts  in  boiling  water  containing  a  little  soda. 

22.  ACTION  DURING  GAS  SHELL  BOMBARDMENT.— 
(i)   Small  box  respirators  will  be  put  on  in  the  shelled  area. 

(ii)  In  the  event  of  a  sudden  and  intense  bombardment  with 
gas  shell  a  local  alarm  will  be  given  in  the  front-line  system  of 
trenches  by  orderlies ;  in  reserve  trenches  and  battery  positions 
this  local  alarm  may  be  given  by  French  shunters'  horns.  In 
order  to  avoid  false  alarms  of  a  gas  attack  the  French  shunters' 
horns  should  not  be  used  in  Infantry  front-line  trenches. 

(iii)  All  dugouts  in  the  vicinity  will  be  visited  and  any  sleep- 
ing men  aroused. 

23.  DISCIPLINE     WITH     REGARD      TO     CARRYING 
SMALL   BOX   RESPIRATORS.— Small    box    respirators   will 
always  be  carried  within  2  miles  of  the  front  line  (i.  c.,  in  ad- 
vance of  the  line  ELVERDINGHE — VLAMERTINGHE — DICKEBUSH — 
KEMMEL    HILL — NEUVE    EGLISE — NIEPPE — LAVENTIE)     whatever 
the  direction  of  the  wind  is.     P.  H.  helmets  will  always  be  car- 
ried in  corps  areas  whatever  the  direction  of  the  wind  is. 

"  WIND-DANGEROUS  "  period. — Orders  as  to  the  position 
in  which  the  above  are  worn  in  "  wind-dangerous  "  period  are 
contained  in  section  19. 


60  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

"  WIND-SAFE  »  period.— When  the  wind  is  safe  working 
parties  during  work  and  at  the  discretion  of  the  officer  in  com- 
mand may  take  off  their  box  respirators,  provided  the  latter  are 
placed  conveniently  at  hand  for  use  in  case  of  a  sudden  gas-shell 
attack  or  change  of  the  \vind. 

The  P.  H.  helmet  will  always  be  carried. 

24.  VERMOREL    SPRAYERS.  —  (a)    Vermorel    sprayers 
form  part  of  trench  stores.    They  are  provided  for  spraying  the 
blankets  of  gas-proof  dugouts  and  shelters. 

(&)  They  will  be  stored  in  the  gas-proof  dugout  or  in  a  pro- 
tected position  close  at  hand. 

(c)  They  must  be  kept  one-third  full  of  water.     Six  gallons  of 
the  solution  given  below  to  be  used  in  them  must  be  kept  in 
corked  jars  or  petrol  tins  close  to  each  sprayer.     It  must  not 
be  kept  in  the  sprayer  owing  to  its  corrosive  nature,  and  after 
solution  has  been  used  the  sprayer  must  be  washed  out  with 
water : 

Water. — 3  gallons  (one  large  bucket)  ; 
Sodium  thiosulphate  (hypo). — 1£  Ibs.  (|  mess  tin)  ; 
Sodium   carbonate    (washing   soda). — 3  Ibs.    (one   piled 
mess  tin). 

(d)  Vermorel  sprayers  will  be  in   charge  of  company   gas 
N.  C.  O.'s,  who  will  detail  and  train  men  in  their  care  and  use 
and  superintend  all  spraying.    The  blankets  on  all  gas-protected 
dugouts  will  be  inspected  and  sprayed  at  the  commencement  of 
a  wind-dangerous  period  and  as  often  as  is  necessary  to  keep 
them  in  a  moist  condition  during  it. 

(e)  Company  gas  N.  C.  O.'s  wTill  take  over  Vermorel  sprayers 
from  outgoing  N.  C.  O.'s. 

(/)  Vermorel  sprayers  in  the  line  will  on  no  account  be  used 
for  clearing  gas  from  trenches  or  dugouts  after  an  attack. 
Against  the  present  gas  used  by  the  enemy  these  chemicals  have 
no  effect,  and  Ayrton  fans  and  fires  are  the  means  to  be  used. 

The  sprayers  at  medical  aid  posts  are  provided  with  a  chem- 
ical solution  which  will  clear  any  gas  that  may  have  entered 
their  protected  posts. 

25.  SANITATION. —  (a)  The  importance  of  strict  attention 
to  sanitation  will  be  impressed  on  all  ranks. 

(&)  The  commanding  officer  is  responsible  for  sanitation  in 
his  unit,  and  the  medical  officer  will  advise  him  in  sanitary 
matters,  making  frequent  inspection  of  cook  houses,  latrines, 
refuse  pits,  and  water  arrangements.  Under  the  medical  officer 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TKENCH  ORDERS.  61 

latrines  and  refuse  pits  will  be  attended  to  by  the  regimental 
sanitary  men  and  water  duties  by  the  R.  A.  M.  C.  details 
attached. 

(c)  Latrines  will  be  constructed  in  trenches  leading  from  com- 
munication trenches.     Where  the  bucket  system  is  employed, 
chloride  of  lime  or  creosol  will  be  freely  used.    The  soil  will  be 
removed  at  night  and  buried  in  a  deep  pit  at  least  100  yards 
from  the  trenches ;  these  pits  will  be  filled  in  when  nearly  full 
and  labeled. 

(d)  Empty  tins  and  other  refuse  will  be  collected  in  recep- 
tacles kept  for  the  purpose  in  the  trenches,  and  returning  carry- 
ing parties  will  be  used  to  carry  these  back  to  the  incinerators 
in  rear. 

26.  RATIONS  AND  COOKING.— (a)   Ration  parties  from 
the  support  and  reserve  trenches  will  be  made  up  in  complete 
units. 

(&)  The  company  quartermaster  sergeant  will  accompany  the 
ration  parties  for  his  company  and  report  his  arrival  to  the  com- 
pany commander. 

(c)  Great  care  is  to  be  taken  that  ration  and  carrying  parties 
make  as  little  noise  as  possible. 

(d)  Where  cooking  is  done  individually,  definite  times  should 
be  allocated  for  the  purpose. 

(e)  Unused  rations  will  be  returned  to  the  quartermaster. 
(/)  Waste  in  any  form  will  be  discouraged. 

(g)  Arrangements  should  be  made  to  insure  that  soup  or  some 
hot  drink  is  available  for  the  men  between  midnight  and  4  a.  m. 

(h)  All  cooking  places  and  appliances  will  be  kept  scrupu- 
lously clean  and  inspected  daily  by  an  officer. 

27.  CARE  OF  GRENADES.— (a)  Grenades  in  the  trenches 
will  be  kept   in  waterproof  boxes  placed   in   recesses   in   the 
parapet. 

(&)  The  brigade  bombing  officer  will  frequently  inspect  all 
grenades  and  posts,  and  will  see  that  the  proper  number  of 
grenades  is  kept  up  in  each  post  and  store;  that  they  are  pro- 
tected from  weather;  that  a  sufficient  number  of  bombers  are 
present  and  understand  their  duties ;  that  the  grenades  are  in 
good  condition ;  and  that  waistcoats  or  carriers  are  available. 

28.  STEEL  HELMETS.— Steel  helmets  will  be  worn  at  all 
times  in  the  trenches   (including  all  communicating  trenches). 
In  addition,  they  will  be  worn  elsewhere  than  in  the  trenches 
as  may  be  ordered  from  time  to  time  by  divisional  or  brigade 
headquarters. 


62  SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS. 

29.  BUM.— (a)   Rum  will  be  issued  by  an  officer,  who  will 
see  that  each  individual  drinks  it  in  his  presence. 

(b)  It  is  not  to  be  issued  in  the  trenches  after  "  Stand  down  " 
in  the  evening  or  before  "  Stand  down  "  in  the  morning,  except 
writh  the  special  permission  of  the  battalion  commander. 

(c)  Men  undergoing  punishment  for  drunkenness  will  receive 
no  issue  of  rum  for  fourteen  days  after  the  offense  unless  it  is 
necessary  for  medical  reasons. 

30.  CHILLED  FEET  AND  FROSTBITE.— 1.  These*  condi- 
tions are  caused  by — 

(a)  Prolonged  standing  in  cold  water  and  mud; 
(&)  The  continued  wearing  of  wet  socks,  boots,  and  put- 
tees; 
(c)  Constriction  of  the  lower  limbs. 

2.  They  can  be  prevented  or  diminished  by — 

(a)  The  wearing  of  long  gum  boots ; 

( b )  Improvements  to  trenches  and  provision  of  dry  stand- 

ings, and  warmth ; 

(c)  Reduction  of  time  spent  in  the  trenches  as  far  as  the 

military  situation  permits ; 

(d)  Good  battalion  arrangements  to  insure  that  men  enter 

the  trenches  warmly  clad  with  dry  boots,  socks, 
and  trousers,  and  with  the  skin  well  rubbed  with 
whale  oil  or  antifrostbite  grease ; 

(e)  Taking  to  the  trenches  a  pair  of  ankle  boots,  in  addi- 

tion to  the  long  gum  boots,  and  changing  from  one 
into  the  other  when  possible,  at  the  same  time  put- 
ting on  a  pair  of  dry  socks. 

N.  B. — The  effect  from  being  wet  through  from  perspira- 
tion is  just  as  bad  as  that  from  water.  There: 
fore,  change  your  socks. 

(/)  Taking  exercise.  Work  is  the  best  specific  against 
trench  feet.  Men  who  are  kept  moving  are  kept 
warm,  with  their  blood  circulating  properly,  and 
do  not  get  trench  feet. 

(g)  Providing  warm  food  at  least  once  a  day  in  the 
trenches  and  shelter. 

3.  Commanding  officers  will  be  held  personally  responsible 
that   the   following  instructions   are  implicitly   carried   out 
under  the  strictest  supervision  by  officers: 

(a)  Previous  to  a  tour  of  trench  duty,  men's  feet  will  be  well 
rubbed  with  oil  or  grease  and  dry  socks  put  on.     It  is  not  suffi- 


SPECIMENS  OF  BRITISH  TRENCH  ORDERS.  63 

cient  to  apply  the  oil  or  grease,  it  must  be  thoroughly  rubbed  in 
until  the  skin  is  dry. 

(6)  In  addition  to  those  worn,  another  pair  of  socks  will  be 
carried  by  each  man  and  used  as  directed  in  section  30,  para- 
graph 2  (e). 

(c)  Battalion  arrangements  will  be  made  for  the  reissue  of 
one  dry  pair  of  socks  to  each  man  daily  in  the  trenches. 

(d)  Puttees  are  never  to  be  worn  with  long  gum  boots.     Socks 
can  be  prevented  from  creeping  down  under  the  sole  of  the  foot 

.>  fastening  them  to  the  trousers  by  means  of  safety  pins.  On 
no  account  will  anything  in  the  form  of  a  garter  be  worn,  as  it 
impedes  circulation  of  the  blood. 

(e)  Hot  food  will  be  provided  at  least  once  a  day  for  men  in 
trenches.     Hot  boxes  will  be  available  for  carrying  this. 

(/)  When  the  feet  are  affected  on  no  account  is  hot  water  to 
be  used,  nor  are  they  to  be  put  near  a  fire. 

(g)  Regimental  rest  posts  are  to  be  instituted  in  close  prox- 
imity to  the  trenches,  where  attention  can  properly  be  given  to 
men  who  show  signs  of  exposure. 

(h)  On  return  from  the  trenches  the  long  gum  boots  are  to  be 
dried  inside. 

4.  Divisional  or  brigade  arrangements  for:    (a)  Provision 
of  the  necessary  accommodation  for  the  washing  and  drying  of 
socks  in  large  numbers,  and  their  supply,  to  battalions  in  the 
front  line,  in  exchange  for  wet  ones. 

(&)  Drying  and  brushing  of  clothes. 

5.  Long  gum  boots  are  issued  solely  for  the  use  of  men  in  the 
trenches,  either  in  the  forward  or  backward  lines.    They  are 
not  to  be  issued  to  or  used  by  men  under  any  other  conditions. 


Photomount 
Pamphlet 

Binder 
Gaylord  Bros. 


Makers 


YC  64450 


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DUE  AS  STAMPED  BELOW 


JUN  ?  3  1998 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  BERKELEY 


